French's International CopyrigLited (in England, her Colonies, and th« 
United States) Edition of the Works of the Best Authors. 



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^ SAMUEL FRENCH 

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No. 53. I 

, ^ 

THE IDLER | 

a ©lap in four ^tt^ | 

^ BY ^ 

i C. HADDON CHAMBERS. | 

^ Copyright, 1902, by T. H. French. ^ 

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FRENCH'S STANDARD DRAMA 

Price 15 Cents each.— Bound Volumes $1.25. 



n 



VOL. I. 

1 Ion 

2 Failo 

3 The Lady ol Lyon* 
i Ricliclieu 

5 Tbe Wife 

6 The Honeymoon 

1 Tbe School for Scandal 

H Money 

VOL. 11. 

9 The Strang. r 
10 Grandfai! i;v Whitehead 
n Richa-ii i;i 

12 Love'h Sacrifice 

13 The Gamester 

14 A Cure for the Heartache 

15 Thfc Hunchback 

16 Don Casar do Bazan 

VOL. HI. 

17 The Poor Gantleman 

18 Hamlet 

19 Charles 11 

20 Venice Preserved 

21 Pizarro 

22 Tlie Love Chase 

23 Othello 

24 Lend me Five Shillings 

VOL, IV. 

25 Virginius 

26 King of the Coinmono 

27 London Assurance 

28 The Rent Day 

29 Two Gentlemen of Verona 

30 The Jealous Wife 

31 The Rivals 

32 Perfection 

VOL. V. IDebts 

33 A New Way to Pay Old 

34 Look Before You Leap 

35 King John 

36 Nervous Man 

37 Damon and Pvthias 
S8 Clandestine Marriage 

39 William Tell 

40 Day after the Wedding 

VOL. VL 

41 Speed the Plough 

42 Romeo and Juliet 

43 Feudal Times 

44 Charles the Twelfth 

45 The Bride 

46 The Follies of a Night 

47 Iron Chest [Fair Lady 

48 Faint Hear'. Never Won 

«4 VOL. VIL 

49 Road to Ruin 

50 Macbeth 

51 Temper 
62 Evadne 

53 Bertram 

54 The Duenna 

55 Much Ado About Nothing 

56 'Vhe Critic 

VOL. VIII. 

57 The Apostate 

68 Twelfth Night 

69 Brutus 

60 Simpson A Co 

61 Merchant of Venice 

62 Old Heade& Young Hearts 
t; ■ V.iuntaineers [riage 
>K T'li-ee Weeks after Mar 

VOL. IX. 



VOL. XL 
81 Julius CuL'sar 
S'2 Vicar of Wakefield 
83 Leap Year 
Hi The Catspaw 
h5 The Passing Cloud 

86 Drunkard 

87 Rob Roy 

88 Georgt Barnwell 



•ntry 



60 - ■ Like It 

67 Th. i : i-.r Brother 

68 We-.. •.■ 

69 Qisippu« 

70 Town and 'C' 

11 King Lear 

12 Bine Devils 

VOL. X. 

13 Henry VIII 

14 Mtirned and Single 

15 Henry IV 

16 Paul Pry 

Tl Gay Mannering 

18 Sweethearts P.iid WIvss 

19 feeriuns Family 

80 She Stoops to 'Conquer 



VOL. XII. 

89 Ingomar 

90 Sketches in Indlfc 

91 Two Friends 
»; Jane Shore 

93 Corhican Brothers 

94 Mind your own Business 

95 Writing on the Wall 

96 Heir at Law 
VOL. XIIL 

97 Soldier's Daughter 

98 Douglas 

99 Marco Spada 
lUO Nature's Noblemaa 
101 SardanapaluB 

2 Civilization 

103 The Robbers 

104 Katharine and Petruchio 

VOL. xrv. 

105 Game of Love 

106 Midsummer Nighfs 

107 Ernestine [Dream 

108 Rag Picker of Paris 

109 Flying Dutchman 

110 Hypocrite 

111 Theresa 
112LaTourdeNe8le 

VOL. XV. 
USTrerand As It I» 

114 Sea Of Ice 

115 Seven Clerks 

116 Game ol Life 

117 Forty Thieves 

118 Bryan Boroihme 

119 Romance and Reality 

120 Ugolino 
\'^L. XVL 

121 The Tempest 

122 The Pilot 

123 Carpenter of Rouen 

124 King's Rival 

1 25 Little Treasure 

126 Dombey and Son 
12" Parents" and Guardians 
148 Jewess 

VOL. XVII. 

129 Camille 

130 Married Life 

131 Wenlock of Wenlock 

132 Rose of Etlrickvale 

133 David Copperfleld 

134 Aline, or the Rose of 

1 35 Pauline [Killamey 

136 Jane Eyre 
VOL. XVIII. 

137 Night and Morning 

138 ^thiop 

139 Three Guardsmen 

140 Tom Cringle 

141 Henriette, the Forsaken 

142 Eustache Baudin 
U3 Ernest Maltravers 
144 Bold Dragoons 

VOL. XIX. 
146 Dred, or the Diamal 

[Swamp 

146 Last Days of Pompeii 

147 Esmeralda 
!48 Peter Wilkins 

149 Ben the Boitfwain 

150 Jonathan Bradford 

151 Retribution 

152 Minerali 

VOL. XX. 
1 V. French Spy 
1M ■V/ept of Wish-ton Wish 
IKS Evil Genius 
l,-.6 ru-n Bolt 
ifcT Sa. lor (f France 
IS^-' Red Ma.-k 
IV' T.lfe of an Actress 
lo«» Wedding Day 



\ OL. XXL 
Ifll All's Idiriu Love 
16V Moter 

Co ^;i;lf 

(j 1 Ciuderella 

tj5 I'hiintom 

166 Franklin [Moscow 

167 The Gunmaker of 
16« The Love oi » Prince 

VOL. XXII. 

169 Son of tbe Night 

170 Rory O'More 

171 Golden Eagle 

172 Rlenzi 

173 Broken Sword 

174 Rip Van Winkle 

175 Isabelle 

176 Heart of Mid Lothian 
VOL. XXIIL 

177 Actress of Padua 

178 Floating Beacon 

179 Bride of Lammermoor 
18i' Cataract of the Ganges 

181 Robber of the Rhine 

182 School of Reform 
Wandering Boys 

184 Mazeppa 
VOL. xxir. 

185 Young New York 

186 The Victims 

187 Romance after Marriage 

188 Brigand 

189 Poor of New York 

190 Ambrose Gwinett 

191 Raymond and Agnes 

192 Gambler's Fate 
VOL. XXV. 

193 Father and Son 

194 Massaniello 

195 Sixteen String Jack 

196 Youthful Queen 

197 Skeleton Witness 

198 Innkeeper of Abbeville 

199 Miller and his Men 

200 Aladdin 
VOL. XXVI. 

201 Adrienne the Actress 
2»2 Dndine 

203 Jesse Brown 

204 Asniodeus 

205 Mormons 

206 Blanche of Brandy wine 

207 Viola 

208 Deseret Deserted 
VOL. XXVII. 

209 Americans in Paris 

210 Victorine 

211 Wizard of the Wave 

212 Castle Spectre 

213 Horse-shoe Robinson 
2K Armand, Mrs. Mowatt 

215 Fashion, Mrs. Mowatt 

216 Glance at New York 
VOL. XXVIIl. 

217 Inconstant 

218 Uncle Tom's Cabin 

219 Guide to the Stage 

220 Veteran 
2ii Miller of New Jersey 

222 Dark Hour before Dawn 

223 Midsum'rNight'sDream 
[Laura Keene's Edition 

224 Art and Artifice 
VOL. XXIX. 

225 Poor Young Man 

226 Ossawattomie Brown 

227 Pope of Rome 

228 Oliver Twist 
•2't9 Pauvrette 

230 Man in the Iron Mask 

231 Knight of Arva 

232 Moll Pitcher 
VOL. XXX. 

233 Black Eyed Susan 
r.'A Satan in Paris 

235 Rosina Meadows Jesi 

236 West End, or Irlsh'Heir 
'i37 Six Degrees of Crime 
■238 The Laily and the Devil 

k'39 Avenger, or Moor «f Sici- 
|240 Masks and Faces [ly 



VOL. XXXI. 

241 Merrv Wlvei uf Windsor 

242 M.iry's I'lriliday 

243 Shandy M.ifeuire 
m Wild Oats 
■.'45 Michael Erie 

46 laiot Witness 
247 Willow Copse 
■248 People's Lawyer 

VOL. XXXU. , 

249 The Boy Martyrs 

250 Lucretia Borgia 

251 Surgeon of Paris 

252 Patrician's Daughter 

253 Shoemaker of Toulouse 

254 Momentous Question 

255 Love and Loyalty 

256 Robber's Wife 
VOL. XXXIIL 

257 Dumb Girl of Genoa 
268 Wreck Ashore 

259 Clari 

260 Rural FeHcity 

261 Wallace 

262 Madelaine 

263 The Fireman 

264 Grist to the Mill 
VOL. XXXIV. 

265 Two Loves and a Life 

266 Annie Blake 

267 Steward 

268 Captain Kyd 

269 Nick of the Woods 

270 Marble Heart 

271 Second Love 

272 Dream at Sea 
VOL. XXXV. 

273 Breach of Promise 

274 Review 

275 Lady of the Lake 

276 Still AVatcr Runs Deep 
'277 The Scholar 

278 Helping Hands 

279 Faust and Marguerite 
Last M:in 

VOL. xxxvr. 

281 Belle's Stratagem 
262 Old and Young 

283 Raffaella 

284 Ruth Oakley 

285 I5ritish SUve 
2ft6 A Life's Ransom 
287 Giralda 
2S'5 Time Tries All 

VOL. XXXVIL 

289 Ella Rosenburg 

290 Warlock of the Glen 

291 Zelina 

292 Beatrice 

293 Neighbor Jackwood 

294 Wonder 
'295 Robert Emmet 

296 Green Bubhes 
VOL. XXXVTII. 

297 Flowers of the Forest 
498 A Bachelor of Arts 

299 The Midnight Banquet 

300 Husband of in Hour 

801 Love's Labor Lost 

802 Naiad Queen 

803 Caprice 
304 Cradle of Liberty 

VOL. XXXIX. 
306 The Lost Ship 

306 Country Squire 

307 Fraud and its Victims 

308 Putnam 

309 King and Deserter 

310 La F.ammina 

311 A Kflj-d Struggle 

312 Gwinnette Vaughan 
VOL. XL. 

313 The I^ve Knot [Judge 

314 Lavater, or Not a Bad 

315 The Noble Heart 

316 Coriolanns 

317 The Winter's Tale 

318 Eveleen Wilson 

319 Ivanhoe 

320 Jonathan in E n gi and 



(FrencFi, S,tnr.iard Drama Continued on 3d page of Cover.) 



SAMITBL FRE'fs^CJi. a^'-SO We t 38th Street, New V«rk aty. 



THE IDLER 



% pap in four ^tt^ 



BY 



C: HADDON CHAMBERS 



Copyright, 1902, by T. H. French 



New York 
SA1.#UEL FRENCH 

PUBLISHER 

28-30 WEST 38TH STREET 



London 
SAMUEL FRENCH, Ltd. 

26 Southampton Street, 
STRAND 



i'^^v^^ 






THE IDLER. 



Produced at the St. James' Theatre, London, 26th Feb., 
1891. 



CAST:— 

Mr. Mark Cross, Man of leisure, single, about 30.. 

Mr. George Alexander 

Sir John Harding, M. P., Independent means, mar- 
ried, about 30 Mr. Herbert Waring 

Mr. Simeon Strong, Wealthy American, single, 

about 30 Mr. John Mason 

General Merryweather, about 60 . . . Mr. Nutcombe Gould 

Bennett, Mark Cross's Man-servant 

Mr. Alfred Holies 

Lady Harding, Wife of Sir John, beautiful woman, 
about 25. Merryweather's daughter by his first 
wife Miss Marion Terry 

Mrs. Cross, Widow, Mark's mother, about 50 

Lady Monckton 

Kate Merryweather, About 18. Merryweather's 

daughter by his second wife Miss Maude MiHett 

Mrs. Glynn-Stanmore, Fashionable widow, looking 

out for a husband. About 35 

Miss Gertrude Kingston 

Period: — The Present. 



THE IDLER. 



ACT I. 

Time of Representation: Twenty-nine minutes. 

Hand Properties: MS. for Harding. Work basket and 
work on l. c. table. Real flower up l. Table and 
tea things off r. 

Furniture Required: Wicker-work and rustic table 
L. c. Chair either side of it. Chair r. c. Chair b. 
Table r. Garden seat up l. Chair up c. 

ACT II. 

Time of Representation: Thirty-two minutes. 

Hand Properties: Bouquet for Lady H. 

Furniture Required: Sofa l. c. Chair B. c. Grand 
Piano and Stool up r. 

ACT III. 

Time of Representation: Twenty-eight minutes. 

Hand Properties: Letters and salver for Bennett. 
Fan for Lady H. Bell (for clock-strike) and Knocker. 
Writing things on r. table. Cigarettes and matches 
on L. c. table. Soda syphon, glasses, whiskey, lemon, 
knife and plate on sideboard l. 

Furniture Required: Writing table and chair r. c. 
Chair r. Settee l. Chair l. of it. Small table r. of 
it. Sideboard l. Curtains to c. window. Clock on 
mantel. Lamp on pedestal by l. door. 

ACT IV. 

Time op Representation: Twenty-two minutes. 

■Hand Properties: Two revolvers in case for Sir John. 
Pocket-book for Mark. Bell (for clock-strike). 

Furniture: Same as Act III. 
4 



THE IDLER. 



ACT I. 

(Music for rise) 

Scene: — Veranda attached to Lady Haeding's drawing* 
room, Kensington Palace Gardens, London. French 
window of the drawing-room open on to stage r. 
Arches of veranda c. and l. showing gardens beyond 
and in the distance Kensington Gardens. 

(Kate Mereyweather discovered seated up stage c). 

{Enter General Merryweather r.) 

Gen. (Calling) Kate! Kate! Where are you? 

Kate. (Jumping up) Here I am. Papa. Where are 
you going to take me this afternoon? 

Gen. I don't propose taking you anywhere. 

Kate. But I've nothing to do. 

Gen. Then make me a bouquet for my coat. 

Kate. (c. going up and getting scissors and cutting 
flowers from pots l. and arranging them) What's the 
good of being in London if you don't go out? 

Gen. (Crossing l. and sitting) Pleasure may some- 
times be found at home. One would tnink from the 
longing you always have to be out somewhere, that you 
were packed away on the fifth floor of a hotel, instead of 
enjoying your sister's delightful hospitality. I must 
really persuade Helen to invite us for another week. 

Kate. (Up c. at flower stand) Please, don't, Papa — 
unless you mean to take me out more. 

Gen. Why? 

Kate. (Making bouquet c.) Well, Helen hasn't been 
married very long, and 

Gen. Well? 

Kate. You do get a little tired of newly married peo- 
ple after a time, don't you? 

Gen. What do you mean? 

Kate. (Coming down c.) I mean that when you 

5 



6 THE IDLER. 

haven't a sweetheart of your own it's rather a bore 
to — you know — to see people very fond of each other. 

Gen. I haven't noticed it. 

Kate. Perhaps you've never been without a sweet- 
heart? 

Gen. Kate! (Rising) Your remark is scarcely re- 
spectful! (Cross R.) 

Kate. I couldn't help it — because you know, you've 
been married twice — and now 

Gen. Well — and now 

Kate. (Coming to him — they meet r. of c.) Now 
I'll fix this in your buttonhole. (Bus. of pinning flower 
in coat) Papa, do you know what Mrs. Glynn-Stan- 
more says about you? 

Gen. No! 

Kate. She says that when an elderly man takes to 
wearing flowers in his buttonhole it's a bad sign. 

Gen. Mrs. Glynn-Stanmore is exceedingly imperti- 
nent — as most women are who marry above their sta- 
tion in life. Elderly man indeed! I shall not allow 
you to meet her again! She will teach you to flirt and 
all sorts of dreadful things. Like all widows she's 
too — too 

Kate. Too what. Papa? 

Gen. (c.) Too learned — You know I was always 
fond of flowers. 

Kate, (c.) But not in your buttonhole. I think 
Mrs. Glynn-Stanmore meant to insinuate that you were 
in love. (Emljracing him) I hope not. Please say 
you're not in love, Papa. 

Gen. (Crossing l.) Kate, you are getting perfectly 
ridiculous. 

Kate. But you haven't denied it. 

Gen. (Sitting l. c.) I don't think it is quite decent 
to interrogate your father on such delicate subjects. 

Kate. But I notice things, you know. 

Gen. Young people generally notice more than they 
should. 

Kate. I've noticed that you've made up your mind to 
stay in this afternoon, and that Helen mentioned at 
luncheon that Mrs. Cross would call. 

Gen. What of that? 

Kate. Young people not only notice but draw conclu- 
sions. 

Gen. Well? Well? 

Kate. (Back of chair l. c.) I've drawn the conclu- 
sion that you're staying in for the sake of Mrs. Cross. 
(Pause) 



THE IDLER. Y 

Gett. Kate, Kate, what a worry you are! (Rising and 
going up stage, then down r. c, sitting r. c.) I think I 
must send you hack to school. 

Kate. But I don't want to learn any more. 

Gen. I think you've a good deal to unlearn. 

Kate. You mean I was right about Mrs. Cross? 
(Crossing to him r. c.) 

Gen. Certainly not. Mrs. Cross is a woman for whom 
I entertain the highest respect. 

Kate. Does that prevent you from loving her, Papa? 
(Pause) 

Gen. (Aside, groans.) 

Kate. I suppose you respected my Mamma, and 
Helen's Mamma, and loved them as well — otherwise you 
wouldn't have married them. (Pause) 

Gen. Perhaps after all, my dear, it would be better 
for you to go out. 

Kate. By myself. 

Gen. (Trying to read) Yes — you might drive in the 
Park for an hour or two. 

Kate. No thanks. Papa — I'd rather stay with you. 
It's better fun. (Sitting on arm of chair) 

Gen. (Rising — hus.) Not for me. Do you know, my 
dear, you have a — what shall I say? an unexpectedness 
of thought which makes you a very disturbing com- 
panion for one of my years and temperament? (Sitting 
again) 

Kate. You may be sure. Papa, that I wouldn't waste 
so much of my unexpectedness on you if I had any other 
companion. (Bus.) 

Gen. I suppose not — It's rather hard on me though — 
I wish you had a little more of your sister's dignity and 
repose. 

Kate. Helen again — always Helen! (Grossing l. c.) 

Gen. Why not — she is a splendid model for you. 

Kate. I think. Papa, I'd feel that more if you were 
less anxious to impress it upon me. 

Gen. I am only anxious to improve you. Now, 
Helen 

Kate, (l.) Is perfect, of course. (Seated.) 

(Enter Lady Harding from r. 2. w.) 

Gen. No — no one is perfect — and perhaps a perfect 
woman would not be a loveable woman. 

Lady H. (Putting her hands over Merryweather's 
shoulders from hehind) Or a perfect man a loveable 
man. 



8 THE IDLER. 

Gen. (Looking up 'back at her) Then you don't even 
think your husband perfect? 

Lady H. He's only perfectly loveable. (Turns l. c. 
and sits) 

Gen. Hem! Your mother used to say that of me. 

Kate. I hope my mother had more sense. 

Gen. Your mother, my dear, was a woman of taste. 

Kate. And Mrs Cross? (Going round back of table) 

Gen. Kate! 

Kate. (To Lady H.) Helen, you mentioned that Mrs. 
Cross would call this afternoon. That's why Papa won't 
take me out. Perhaps Mark may come with her. 

Lady H. Mark! 

Kate. Yes. (Leaning on chair) 

Lady H. (Resuming work) Mr. Cross is not in Lon- 
don. 

Kate. Isn't he though! Papa and I saw him in Pic- 
cadilly before luncheon. 

(Merryweather sits in chair r. near b. 2. w.) 

Lady H. (Aside) Mark returned! 

Kate. Yes — Aren't you glad? 

Lady H. Certainly. Why should I not be? 

Kate. I only thought you might feel a little awkward 
in meeting him. Everybody thought at one time that 
you would marry him. I was sure of it! 

Lady H. Your judgment isn't always correct, you see. 

Kate. No. I lack experience. But you know, Helen, 
that you and Mr. Cross flirted dreadfully before he went 
away, then when John came along, I 

(Enter Sib John Harding r. 2. w.) 

Sir J. Well, what took place when I came along? (c.) 

Kate. (l. c.) I became silent. 

Sir J. Please don't do so now. 

Kate. (l. c. down) We were only talking of Mrs. 
Cross's son. 

Sir J. Has Mrs. Cross a son? I had really forgotten. 

Lady H. (At work-table up i^. c.) I have surely men- 
tioned him to you? 

Sir J. I don't remember it. What's his name? 

Lady H. Mark. i 

SJR J. Mark!— Mark Cross— the name is familiar! I 

Kate. (l. c.) Of course. Last season he and | 
Helen I 



THE IDLER. 9 

(Geneeal coughs and signs violently to Eate) 

Sib J. Yes? 

Kate. What was I going to say? 

Sir J. Something about Mr. Cross and Helen. 

Kate. Oh yes, I remember — they tried to sing a duet 
at a party of Mrs. Cross's — and they made such a failure 
of it. (Moving over to e.) 

Sir J. That's not quite what you were going to say, 
Kate. (To Lady H.) Of course — Mr. Cross was an old 
flame of yours. I remember Mrs. Stanmore telling me 
about him. But I heard the name before Mrs. Stanmore 
mentioned it. 

Kate. (Who has crossed over, meeting Merry- 
weathee r. c, to Merry.) Have I put my foot in it? 

Gen. Very likely — your accomplishments lie in that 
direction. 

Kate. Perhaps we had better go into the garden. 

Gen. (Rises) It might be as welL Your talents re- 
quire plenty of space, my dear. 

(Exeunt General and Kate down steps l. up stage) 

Sir J. (Crossing to chair e. c.) Mark Cross! I knew 
a man of that name once. Was your friend ever in 
^n&erica ? 

Lady H. Yes, I think so. 

Sir. J. (Aside, thoughtfully) Humph! (Aloud, 
seated) Was Mr. Cross a great friend of yours? 

Lady H. Scarcely a great friend — come — (Rising 
and coming to r. c.) I'll tell you. Before I met you, 
Mr. Cross and I — Oh, don't look like that! It was not 
serious! 

Sir J. Then why did Mrs. Stanmore speak to me of 
him? I remember that she has mentioned him more 
than once — has repeated it with an unpleasant persist- 
ence. (Rise) 

Lady H. Only because she's jealous of me. She 
wanted to marry you herself. 

Sir J. (Folds his arms) You think so? 

Lady H. (Resting her elbows on his arms and look- 
ing into his eyes smiling) Don't you? 

Sir J. (Laughing) Perhaps so. 

Lady H. Nonsense! You can't be so blindly modest 
as not to know it! 

Sir J. I'm certain I've met this Mark Cross before— 
in any case I feel sure that I shall dislike him. 

Lady H. Why? 



10 THE IDLER. 

Sib J. Because you have smiled upon him, 

Lady H. I've smiled upon hundreds of men — hut 
loved only one. 

Sib J. {Moving towards her a little) That one? 

Lady H. Nonsense, You know so well. 

Sib J. I delight to hear you repeat it. 

Lady H. You — you — you, John! {Going towards 
him) 

Sib J. {Kisses her) That assurance will keep me 
confident and happy till we meet again. {Places her in 
chair b. c, kisses her and starts up stage — she detains 
him) 

Lady H. Are you going? 

Sib J. Yes — to the study. I must sketch out my 
speech for to-morrow. 

Lady H. Will it take you long? 

Sib J. No. There is not much difficulty. I have only 
to denounce the Government. 

Lady H. It is always easy to denounce anything. 

Sib J. Very. Besides, I have good lungs and the in- 
valuable power of working myself into a passion! 

Lady H. Dreadful! I hope you'll never be in a pas- 
sion with me! 

Sib J. That would be impossible. {Bending over 
her) 

Lady H. And you think you'll upset the Govern- 
ment? 

Sib J. I think we shall this time. 

Lady H. "Will it be a good thing for the country? 

Sib J. Of course. It will bring our side into power. 

Lady H. And will it be a good thing for you? I 
should be furious if you were neglected. 

Sib J. I am sure I shall not be. I shall have an 
Under-Secretaryship — and I may be in the Cabinet. 

Lady H. That I am sure will be a good thing for the 
country. 

Sib J. I knew you would think so. 

{Exit SiB J. Habding e. 2. w.) 

Lady H. {In a chair b. c.) John has a latent capac- 
ity for jealousy which is a little startling. Fancy being 
so annoyed at the mention of my old flirtation with Mark 
Cross! And yet once I liked Mark — and had he not 
gone away perhaps — I am glad he went away, for I 
might have married a man because I liked him, instead 
of marrying a man because I loved him. No doubt Mark 
is glad too, and so we are all happy. {Crossing l. o.) 



THE IDLER. H 

(Enter Servant r. u. e. — from conservatory) 
Serv. Mr. Mark Cross. 

(Enter Mauk Cross r. u. e.) 

Lady H. (Aside) Mark! — Mr. Cross! (Rising a lit- 
tle startled) 

Mark. How do you do? (Coming down r. c.) 

Lady H. This is a surprise. 

Mark. Not an unpleasant one, I hope. 

Lady H. How could it be? I'm delighted to see you 
again. I only heard to-day that you had returned. 
{Going a little to l.) 

Mark. (r. c.) I reached home last night. My 
mother told me that she would call here this afternoon. 

Lady H. (l. c.) I expect her. 

Mark. She pointed out to me that it was my duty 
and privilege to — to add my congratulations to the many 
you received two months ago. I hope mine are not too 
late to be acceptable. 

Lady H. Certainly not. They are most welcome — 
especially as they come from so old and valued a friend. 
You have never met my husband? 

Mark. No. Nor had you when I last saw you. 

Lady H. (Slightly embarrassed) That is quite a 
long time ago. (Sitting l. c.) 

Mark. (Putting hat on table r.) Only six months. 

Lady H. That is a long time. 

Mark. To a woman I suppose it is. 

Lady H. Why to a woman? 

Mark. Women forget so quickly. 

Lady H. Have I forgotten anything? 

Mark. Many things — my Christian name, for in- 
Instance, which you once used. (Sitting r. c.) 

Lady H. Six months ago. Now I am married and 
you must put up with the conventional Mister. 

Mark. And you have forgotten to thank me for the 
forgiving spirit I show in coming to congratulate you. 

Lady H. Ah! now I see what you mean. You in- 
tend teasing me about the little flirtation we had before 
you went away. 

Mark. I assure you I couldn't treat so serious a sub- 
ject lightly. < 

I^ADY H, Serious, do you say? What could have been 
less so? Let me see — if I remember rightly you called 
me Helen sometimes when we were alone, and just to 
save you from feeliag embarrassed at your own auda-city; 



12 THE IDLER. 

I called you Mark. That was the most serious part of 
it. Of course you meant nothing and I meant nothing. 

Mark. You astonish me!i 

Lady H. How? 

Mark. Until you put it like that I had no idea that 
our flirtation was so trifling — and you really meant 
nothing? 

Lady H. Of course not! All girls learn to flirt a lit- 
tle — it's a part of their education. 

Mark. It's a pity. 

Lady H. Why a pity? 

Mark. Well, all men are not sensible, you know. 
Some of us are terribly stupid. 

Lady H. Indeed! 

Mark, Surprising but true, I assure you. Men are 
often stupid enough to love a woman. 

Lady H. Do you call that stupid? 

MARK; Yes, don't you ? 

Lady H. No. 

Mark. (c. rises and comes near her) No? Well, 
what do you think of a man who falls in love with 
a woman and imagines because she — affects to think 
more of him than the other men she meets — that she 
loves him in return? 

Lady H. I could pity him. (0 Music 0) 

Mark. Could you really? Let me tell you the story 
of such a man. He fell in love with a woman — but he 
had no right to. You see there was something of the 
villain in him — for he had a wife living. 

Lady H. A wife! 

Mark. (r. of her) Yes — he had married her in his 
wild days, and she had left h im almost immediately 
for a new lover — or an old one Three years after 
he, as I say, fell in love — here in London. Fell 
in love! Bah! boys do that. He was a man! He 
loved with a love that might have made him an 
angel — or a devil. And the woman he loved affected 
to return it~or as you would say, she flirted with him. 
He — not being sensible, you know — believed in her. 
Then came a letter to him from the wife who was dying 
in Italy. He went — bearing in his heart, the smile of 
the woman whom he thought loved him. In a few 
months he came back a free man — came to lay his heart 
and life at the feet of this woman — came — and found 
her married! 

Lady H. (Starts) Married! 

Mark. The truth, I assure you. The man's my only 
friend. (Music stops) 



THE IDLER. 13 

Lady H. (Rising slowly) Mark! 

Mark. Helen — I should say Lady Harding — I'm sorry 
— my story was a painful one — much too painful for a 
happily married woman to hear. But what would you 
have? It ends better than most true stories — for it 
leaves at least one of the characters perfectly happy. 
What does it matter about the other? The sufferings 
of half the world are necessary to the happiness of the 
other half. 

(Pause — Lady H. drops work) 

Lady H. The woman in the story did not wrong your 
friend intentionally. 

Mark. Of course not. Women never do wrong — in- 
tentionally. 

Lady H. You are cynical. The case you put is very 
common. A man and woman meet and are interested 
in each other; the man disappears without a word. 
The woman meets another man whom she loves and 
who loves her. They are married. Man No. 1 returns: 
well, he's a man of the world — he forgives what he 
thinks there is to forgive and forgets her — that is to 
say — he — (Offering her hand) remains her friend. 

Mark. (r. c. takes her hand slowly, pauses, they look 
at each other, she withdraws her hand) Helen, I almost 
forgive you! 

Lady H. Only almost? 

Mark. Yes, that is all. 

Lady H. I am sorry. (He prepares to go, goes up 
B. c, takes hat and cane) You are not going? — I want 
you to meet my husband. 

Mark. (c. coming down ^again) Thank you — but I 
must forego that pleasure. I am afraid that I am not a 
man of the world — I can forgive — too readily — but — now 
that I have seen you again and looked into your eyes, 
I feel I cannot forget — you see — I had better go. 
(Slight pause) 

Lady H. Yes, you had better go. Good-bye. 

(Mark is going when enter Sib John with MS 8.) 

Mark. Good-bye. 

Sir J. (Not seeing Mark) Helen, here's the idea for 
my peroration. I think you'll say it's happy. (Looks 
up from M8S. and goes r.) Oh, I beg your pardon! I 
didn't know you had a visitor. 

Lady H. Mr. Cross — my husband. (Turning to 
table L. c.) 



14 THE IDLER. 

(They look hard at each other) 

SiE J. Mark Cross! 

Mask. Yes, Gentleman Jack! 

Sir J. (Quickly) John Harding, you mean. 
yjLside to him) Not a word about the old days before 
my wife. (Aloud) I'm delighted to meet you again. 

Lady H. (l. c.) You know each other then? 

Sir J. Yes, we met in the States, (r.) 

Mark. Yes, we met in the States. (Moves up) 

Sir J. You are not going, Cross? 

Mark. (r. c.) I'm afraid I must! 

Lady H. Mr. Cross spoke of an important engage- 
ment, but — (l.) 

Sir J. Put it off, old fellow. I'd particularly like to 
have a chat with you about old times, (Coming to 
Mark and taking hat from him and putting it r.) 

Mark. You see I can't help it. 

Sir J. That's splendid! (Coming down r.) 

Lady H. Were the old times, as you call them, profit- 
able? 

Mark. Perhaps not. They were exciting though — 
desperately so sometimes. 

Lady H. (c, crossing r. c.) I didn't know you had 
any desperate adventures, John. 

Sir J. (r.) I? Not particularly so. That is 

Mark. (l. c.) Your husband is too happy now to 
remember those he had. 

Lady H. Well, I'll leave you. I should be in the 
way. (Going up stage) 

Mark. On the contrary, I assure you, Lady Hard- 
ing 

Lady H. (At r. 2 w.) No assurance would convince 
me. My instinct tells me that when men talk about 
old times they don't want a female audience. 

(Exit R. 2. w.) 

Sir J. Well, Cross? 

Mark. (Seated r. of l. taMe) Well, Harding, it's a 
far cry from Golden Valley to an ancient Baronetcy and 
the House of Commons. I ought to congratulate you. 

Sir J. (Coming to him.) The baronetcy became un- 
expectedly mine through a tragedy — the death of my 
cousin in a railway accident — a seat in the House seemed 
to follow quite naturally. In any case a man must set- 
tle down some time or other. One mustn't always re- 
main a waster. 



THE IDLER. 15 

Mark. Ah — I suppose not. 

Sir J. (c.) However, I suppose Golden Valley is as 
good a field for wild oats as any other place — a little 
better, perhaps, as it's further from home than most 
places. 

Mark. Yes, it's a pity though that the world grows 
smaller— and distance shorter every day. 

Sir J. {Crossing r.) That's true. It reminds me, 
by the way, that I wouldn't like my wife to know the 
sort of life — (Closing r. Istw.) I led out there. 

Mark. (Slowly) No, I suppose not. 

Sir J. (Shutting window) You see, old fellow, ours 
was a love match. 

Mark. Damn him! 

Sir J. (Returning to r. of Mark) And women have 
a way of being jealous even of a man's past. 

Mark. Your wife can't be jealous of what she is ignO' 
rant. 

Sir J. Well, I've told her I was no end of a scape, 
grace, but I've not gone into particulars. I'm so happy 
at home — and I find politics so absorbing, that I've al« 
most forgotten that from twenty to twenty-five I played 
the very devil. 

Mark. (Seated l. c.) Unless my memory lies I fol- 
lowed the same interesting profession at the time. 
(Significantly) A man is happy who has nothing more 
serious to banish from his memory. 

Sir J. (Standing c.) You mean that I have? 

Mark. (Still seated l. c.) I confess I have in my 
mind what you have in yours. 

Sir J. The accident which occurred the last time we 
met! 

Mark. The accident! 

Sir J. What else? 

Mark. They called it by a different name in Golden 
Valley. 

Sir J. By what name? 

Mark (Rising) By — er — well, it's an ugly word! 
We had better change the subject. (Cross r.) 

Sir J. No, Cross — we will not change the subject — 
let us be honest with each other. Never mind ugly 
words so long as they represent the truth. 

Mark. As you like. The subject is less painful to 
me than to you. 

/Sir J. (c.) What did they say of me when I left 
Golden Valley? 

Mark. They said that Gentleman Jack had murdered 
Felix Strong and made tracks. 



16 THE IDLER. 

Sir J. (c.) They said I had murdered him? 

Mark. That was the ugly word. 

Sir J. But you were able to point out their mistake. 

Mark. I — my dear fellow, you over-rate my ability. 

Sir J. But you were present. You and Strong's 
brother were among those who saw the affair. 

Mark. That's true. (Sits in chair r. c.) 

Sir J. And you both must have known that when I 
fired at Strong I had no thought of killing — that it was 
a silly attempt to frighten him. 

Mark. I assure you I learn this now for the first 
time. 

Sir J. (l. of Mark) Remember, man — remember! 
When he fell we all ran together, we found him dead. 
Remember what I said then? 

Mark. I really don't remember your saying anything. 
I only know you disappeared into the mountains. 

Sir J. I swore to you then that it was an accident. 
I had no more thought of killing the poor devil than of 
killing you. (Coming down l. — stopping -short l. c.) 
I didn't even take aim at him! 

Mark. It was a remarkably fine shot. (Still in chair. 
Pause) 

Sir J. (Coming to him) Do you, Cross, think I 
meant to kill him? 

Mark. Now that I have your assurance to the con- 
trary, of course I can't. 

Sir J. But you did until now? 

Mark. (Looking up at him) Well, I confess I shared 
the opinion of Golden Valley. The impression was that 
you lined your man by the old Redwood Tree and shot 
him in his tracks. Unfortunately, you and Felix Strong 
had quarreled over the cards the night before. You 
had both — to put it mildly — used expressions calculated 
to wound the feelings of the most thick-skinned — and 
some shooting was expected when you again met — fair 
shooting. The result was a shot — a death — and an es- 
cape. 

Sir J. I was an idiot to run away. That told against 
me. I've regretted it for ten years. (Sits l. c.) 

Mark. You'd have regretted not having done so for 
about as many minutes. 

Sir J. What do you mean? 

Mark. (Rising and going to him) That they'd have 
strung you up on that same old Redwood Tree. 
(Pause) You must be aware of that, Harding — you 
haven't forgotten the Golden Valley crowd; honest 
manly scoundrels for the most part — with a crude and 



THE IDLER. 17 

homely, but roughly poetic sense of justice; with no 
gift for the analysis of motives, and a sublime ignorance 
of psychological principles — but with a marvelous 
quickness to realize facts — to arrive at decisions — and 
to execute them — You remember the case of the China- 
man, Tin War? {The last sentence in subdued, signifi- 
cant voice) 

Sir J. Yes, yes, it was horrible. Let us speak no 
more of it. Now when I realize what a terrible danger 
I was in I'm not ashamed to confess I shudder. Tliank 
God the danger has long since passed. 

Mark, (r, c.) Passed! My dear Harding, it is not 
always a safe thing to shoot a man who has a brother. 

Sir J. Simeon! 

Mark. In some cases it might be all right. The 
brother might thank you for your trouble and be quite 
pleased. It's all a matter of luck. 

Sir J. (l. in chair) Cross, for God's sake, tell me 
what you are driving at? 

Mark, (r. c.) Simply this. Felix Strong's brother, 
happened to be a twin — further, he chanced to be ani- 
mated by the warmest feelings of affection for his twin 
brother whom you killed. 

Sir J. I remember. What then? 

Mark. Then it follows that he is not animated by the 
warmest feelings towards you. 

Sir J. Well? 

Mark. He still lives. For that unacceptable circum- 
stance I am partly responsible. We had a big flood in 
the Valley after you left, and it was my lot to save 
Simeon Strong from drowning. 

Sir J. Do you mean that he still harbours revenge 
against me? 

Mark. He certainly did when I last saw him in New 
York, two years since. For your sake I hope you won't 
meet him. 

Sir J. What could he do? 

Mark. Do? — Have you handed over to the American 
authorities on the charge of murdering his brother. 

Sir J. (Rising quickly) Cross, you can't be serious! 

Mark. I never was more so. Simeon Strong, is now 
a millionaire and a big man in New York. I hope his 
views have changed, because — (Pauses) 

Sir J. (L. c.) Well? 

Mark, (c.) I expect him in London daily. How- 
ever, you may not meet him. He doesn't even know 
who Sir John Harding is, and it is so easy to go to 
2 



18 THE IDLER. 

Paris when you don't wish to meet a man who is in 
London. 

Sir J. I would not cross the street to avoid him. 
(Cross R. c.) 

Mark. Ah well, you know best! 

Sir J. If it must be, we shall meet. Being innocent 
I will not struggle to avoid any man. But I'm glad 
you've told me these things. Cross, although they are 
serious. (Coming c.) And I'm really glad to have met 
you again. (Aside as he goes up stage) My God! if 
Helen should know this! (Aloud) Let's go and smoke 
a cigar together. 

(Exits R. 2. w.) 

Mark looks after him thoughtfully for a moment, then 
shrugs his shoulders and follows him. 

(Exeunt r. 2. w.) 

(Enter General M. and Kate l. up steps) 

Kate. You see Mrs. Cross hasn't come yet. Aren't 
you anxious, Papa? (Coming down r.) 

Gen. (Going to seat l.) My dear, I am anxious 
about nothing. I only want rest. 

Kate. You've been resting all the afternoon. (Bus. 
at seat) 

Gen. (l.) Have I? I don't think, my dear, that 
your presence is conducive to relaxation. 

Kate. Thank you. Papa. You mean that I'm a bore. 

Gen. Not exactly that, perhaps — but you have an 
active mind, which finds unremitting expression. 

Kate. I don't understand that — but it sounds uncom- 
plimentary. If you are tired of me. Papa, I wonder 
you don't get me married. (Crossing r. c.) 

Gen. That is not such an easy matter. 

Kate. Why? I'm nice! (Sits r. c.) 

Gen. Perhaps — but still yours is a difficult case to 
meet. First of all you require a man who is a good 
listener — a very rare thing. He must also have unlim- 
ited patience and equanimity, and the enormous power 
of endurance of the ordinary mule. 

Kate. Thank you. Papa — I don't want him. I think 
you are very unkind. I've suffered enough already con- 
sidering that you are the only companion I have ever 
had. 

Gen. However, I'll try and find you a husband as you 



THE IDLER. 1<) 

wish it, although it's rather cowardly to shift one's bur- 
dens on to other shoulders. 

(Servant enters r. u. e. announcing) 

Serv. Mrs. Cross. 

Kate. {Rises) Papa — at last! {Grosses l.) 

(Servant exits) 

(Enter Mrs. Cross and Simeon Strong r. u. e.) 

Mrs. C. How do you do, General Merry weather? (In-^ 
traducing Strong to General) Allow me to present Mr. 
Strong — General Merry weather. (Coming down) And 
you, Kate? Not quite tired of London yet? 

Kate. No. Papa has taken care of that. 

Mrs. C. Oh! how is that? 

Kate. He has taken me out as little as possible. 

Mrs. C. Let me present an old friend of Mark's — who 
arrived from America scarcely an hour ago. Mr. Simeon 
Strong — Miss Merry weather. (They hoiv) Has Mark 
called? 

Gen. (l.) I don't know, but he may have while Kate 
was torturing me in the garden. (To Strong) Mr. 
Cross is a friend of yours? 

Strong, (r.) When a man has pulled you out of a 
raging flood at the risk of his own life, you are apt to 
reckon him among your friends. 

Gen. (l.) I suppose that is so. 

Mrs. C. (c.) I won't allow my son to be praised. 
He is a most undeserving person — reserved, mysterious, 
erratic eccentric! Now, I ask you — could he have a 
nicer mother than he has? 

Omnes Impossible! 

Mrs. C. I was sure you would say so. Yet he refuses 
to live in my house. Prefers to have rooms of his own. 
He amuses himself and alarms me by mysteriously dis- 
appearing for months at a time, until when I dread to 
look at the list of killed and injured in a railway or 
steamboat accident, he coolly walks in one day and says 
— "Good morning, mother, may I breakfast with you?" 

Gen. He seems to be an original! 

Mrs. C. And yet I know he loves me — and I love him. 
Mothers are weak, you know. 

(Enter Lady H. r. 2. w., followed hy Servant who brings 
on tea) 



20 THE IDLER. 

Strong. In this case, Mrs. Cross, I share your weak- 
ness. 

Lady H. (To Mrs. C. who meets her up r. c.) I'm so 
pleased you have come. 

Mrs. C. How are you? Quite well? Now you must 
promise not to fail me to-morrow night. 

Lady H. I can do that. I am going to the House to 
hear John's speech after dinner, and I shall bring him 
on with me to your party. 

Mrs. C. Let me present a friend of Mark's, who has 
just arrived from America. Mr. Strong — Lady Harding. 

Lady H. (Coming down r.) You come from America, 
Mr. Strong? My husband spent some years there. 

Strong. Indeed! 

Lady H. Did you ever chance to meet? 

Strong. The pleasure of meeting your husband is still 
before me. 

Lady H. (To Mrs. C.) Let me give you some tea, 
dear. (Crosses to tea-table) 

(Mrs. Cross comes down to tea table) 

Strong. (Turns and crosses to Kate, who is standing 
ty table l.) Miss Merryweather, Mrs. Cross has invited 
me to her " At Home " to-morrow evening, shall I have 
the pleasure of meeting you there? 

(Mrs. Cross gives cup and saucer to Merryweatner) 

Kate. (Turning to chair l.) Yes, we are all going. 
Mrs. Cross's parties are always jolly, aren't they? 

Strong. I'm sure they must be, but I've never been 
in England before you know. 

Kate. (In chair l.) Haven't you? How strange! 
I don't think I've met an American before. 

Strong. Haven't you? I want to know! That state- 
ment makes me somewhat nervous. (Lady H. brings 
tea — to Lady H.) Permit me! (Bus.) 

Kate. But I know that you are all free and enlight- 
ened, and mostly very rich. (Strong gives her cup) I 
suppose you are very rich? 

Strong. Perhaps I ought to confess at once — so as not 
to sail under false colours — that I'm a millionaire. I'm 
very sorry. (Drinking tea) 

Kate. There is surely nothing to be sorry for in 
\ that. 

Strong. Well, millionaires are so common now-a-days, 
ithat I thought it was bad form to be one or know one. 



THE IDLER. 21 

Kate. I don't think it will ever be bad form to be 
rich. 

Strong. You relieve my mind immensely. I'm really 
delighted to have met you, Miss Merryweather. 

Kate. Why? 

Strong. I'm afraid I haven't known you long enough 
yet to venture to pay you compliments. (Putting cup 
on table) 

Kate. Then I hope you will have known me long 
enough very soon. (Giving cup.) 

Strong. I consider that likely. (Puts cup on L. 
table) 

Kate. (Aside) He's very nice. (Rises and goes up 
stage) 

(Enter Mark and Sir John Harding, conservatory 
R. 2. w.) 

Mark. (Coming down r.) Simeon! 

Sir J. (Meeting Mrs. Cross c.) How do you do, Mrs. 
Cross? 

Strong, (l. c. Mark crossing to Strong) At last! 
My dear boy, this is a real pleasure for me. 

Mark. (Shaking hands) And for me. How are 
you? 

Strong. Fine as silk. (Music) And you? 

Sir J. (To Lady H.) (Lady H. is r.) Who is 
that? 

Lady H. A friend of Mr. Cross's. He will introduce 
you. 

Strong. (To Mark) Now introduce me to your 
friend Harding. 

Mark. With pleaure. (Aside) At least I am not 
to blame — Harding! (Crosses to Sir John, who has 
come down r.) It is Simeon Strong. Keep cool — he 
may not remember you. (They return to Strong) Mr. 
Strong, Sir John Harding. (Slips hack, goes up stage) 

Strong. (Crossing to Sir J.) It is always a pleasure 
to meet a man of your distinction. Sir John. 

(Harding bows and offers his hand. Strong is about to 
take it. Looks Harding in the face — but suddenly 
pauses, looks "still more closely at Harding — then 
falls back) ' 

Strong, (r. c:, with his hand behind him) No, thank 
you, sir, I can't touch it. 
Sir J. (r.) Why not? 
Strong, (r. c.) Because there is blood on it, the 



22 



THE IDLER. 



blood of my brother Felix. {In a whisper) Hate is a 
good detective. I know you, Gentleman Jack! 

Maek. (l. of Strong— io Strong) Silence, for God's 
sake, not a word before the ladies. (Moves l.) 

Lady H. (Coming down c.) Mr. Strong, we must 
see you often while you are in London. 

Strong. (Embarrassed) Thank you, Lady Harding 
— thank you! 

Mrs. Cross General Kate 



Strong 
Sib John 



Lady H. 



Mask. 



CURTAIN. 



ACT II. 

Scene:— Mrs. Cross' ''At Home". Room in Mrs. Cross* 
House. 

(Mrs. Glynn-Stanmore and Kate Merryweatheb dis- 
covered.) 

Kate. (Coming down stage c.) Papa is so angry with 
you, Mrs. Stanmore. 

Mrs G.-S. Indeed. Why? (At fireplace) 

Kate. I told him you said it was a bad sign when 
elderly men wore flowers. v,.,^ t 

Mrs G-S. (Coming down) You terrible child, I 
shan't be able to say anything before you in future. 

Kate. Oh, please do. I won't repeat again. I so en- 
joy what you say. 

Mrs. G.-S. Why? , . . .v. -u *. 

Kate. Because you say such unkind things about 

other people. , . ,. ^ ^ v 

Mrs. G.-S. Kate, I'm afraid you're inclined to be a 
very wicked girl. 

Kate. (Coming over to settee) Perhaps I am. 

Mrs. G.-S. I'm sorry you repeated what I said m fun 
of your father. 

Kate. Why? 

Mrs. G.-S. I wanted him to like me. . , „ 

Kate. Why, are you tired of being a widow? 

Mrs. G.-S. I wasn't thinking of that. 



THE IDLER. 23 

Kate. Of course not. But are you? 

Mrs. G.-S. Perhaps I am — just a little. 

Kate. Isn't it good fun? 

Mrs. G.-S. It was for a time. But on the whole I find 
the joys of widowhood are overrated. 

Kate. Then why don't you marry again? 

Mr. G.-S. I mean to. Men seem to like widows best. 

Kate. Why? 

Mrs. G.-S. I can't explain to you now. I mean to 
marry again all the same. 

Kate. And lose all your delightful liberty? 

Mrs. G.-S. Oh no, I think not. But experience begets 
caution, and it behoves a widow to be wary. 

Kate. You are looking for a husband then? {In 
•front of piano r) 

Mrs. G.-S. Possibly. 

Kate. Whose husband, Mrs. Stanmore?- 

Mrs. G.-S. Naughty — you oughtn't to know of those 
things at your age. I was going to say that what is par- 
ticularly necessary in a second husband is docility — a 
virtue too rare among men now-a-days. You haven't 
noticed it of course. 

Kate. I can only judge by papa. 

Mrs. G.-S. Is he docile? 

Kate. Pretty well. I can manage him — but he is old. 

Mrs. G.-S. Only fifty-eight, dear. 

Kate. {Aside, going down e.) She must have been 
making enquiries. 

Mrs. G.-S. He seems to me to have a most amiable and 
charming temper. 

Kate. He has. {Aside) Ah, I understand. What 
fun! I'll fool her! {Aloud) Mrs. Stanmore, I'll tell 
you {Crossing l. c.) something about papa, if you won't 
tell any one. {Kneeling by her) 

Mrs. G.-S. Do; I'll keep it so secret. 

Kate, (c.) I believe he's in love. 

Mrs. G.-S. Really? With whom? 

Kate. With a widow. 

Mrs. G.-S. A widow. Who can she be? 

Kate. I believe you know more about it than I do. 
{Rising) How sly you widows are! Here is Mr. 
Strong. {Going r.) 

Mrs. G.-S. {Rising and going r.) Shall I ask him to 
my party to-morrow night? 

(Strong enters l. goes up c.) 

I mean for your sake? 



24: THE IDLER. 

Kate. If you like. (Aside, goes r.) He shall not go. 
(Up to piano) 

Mrs, G.-S. (To Strong who is coming down c.) I 
have a little party to-morrow evening, Mr. Strong. Will 
you accept a very unceremonious invitation and come? 

Strong. You are very kind, Mrs. Stanmore. 

(Piano ff. Kate who is playing piano, vigorously shakes 
her head at Strong, unseen by Mrs. G.-S.) 

Mrs. G.-S. I'm sorry I hadn't the opportunity of giv- 
ing you longer notice, but I hope you will be able to 
come. 

(Kate still shakes her head) 

Strong. Thank you very much. I shall be delighted. 
(Piano ff. Bus.) But I regret to say I have other en- 
gagements. 

Brs. G.-S. How provoking! But perhaps you may 
come in late — (Piano fff.) you will hear the Austrian 
Band. 

Strong. You tempt me — (Bus.) but unfortunately 
my whole evening will be occupied. 

Mrs. G.-S. I'm very sorry. (Going r. to Kate) What 
an unsatisfactory person. 

(Goes up stage and Exits r. u. e.) 

Strong. (Grossing to Kate at piano — bus.) Why am 
I not to go to Mrs. Stanmore's party? 

Kate. I don't know. (Stops playing) 

Strong. But you shook your head when she asked 
me. 

Kate. Did I? 

Strong. I observed you doing so with considerable 
energy. Come, Miss Merryweather, own up to the truth. 

Kate. I didn't want you to go. 

Strong. That was quite evident. May I ask why? 

Kate. Because Mrs. Stanmore wanted you to. 

Strong. Oh! Are you going? 

Kate. Yes. 

Strong. Then you don't want to meet me? 

Kate. Yes, I do; but I sacrificed the pleasure of meet- 
ing you to the joy of annoying Mrs. Stanmore. (Ris- 
ing) 

Strong. Ah — like a woman that! I'm beginning to 
understand. (Goes c.) 



THE IDLER. 25 

Kate. (Following him) And perhaps I've saved you 
from a terrible fate. 

Strong. Why, is there going to be an explosion round 
there? 

Kate. Mrs. Stanmore is dangerous. She wants to 
marry again. (Grossing l.) 

Strong. Indeed! That's very sad. (Follows Kate to 
L. c.) How did you discover it? 

Kate. Haven't I eyes? 

Strong. You have. That is a circumstance which 
hasn't failed to strike me. (Looking into them) 

Kate. Well, I keep my eyes open. (Sits couch c.) 

Strong. (Looking into her eyes) I'm real glad of 
that. Miss Merryweather 

Kate. I've seen Mrs. Stanmore carefully set her cap 
at several people — including papa. Why, last season her 
attentions to John — who wasn't married then, you 
know — were most conspicuous. 

Strong. Who is John? 

Kate. John is mv brother-in-law — Sir John Harding. 
(Still on settee c.) 

Strong. (With sudden change of manner) Oh, I 
had forgotten that. You have a way, Miss Merry^ 
weather, of making one forget things. 

Kate. Have I? 

Strong. (Turning r.) But there are some thinga 
which may never be forgotten. 

Kate. (Still on settee) Why have you turned so 
serious, Mr. Strong? I like you better when you smile. 

Strong. (Returning to her) Sir John Harding is 
your brother-in-law then? That is a close connection. 

Kate. Really my step brother-in-law. Lpdy Harding 
is my step-sister. (Pause) Well, I'm very sorry you've 
grown so serious, (Rising and going l.) because we 
were getting on so nicely together — and I thought Amer- 
icans were really fond of talking. 

(Mrs. Cross Enters r. u. e. comes down c. K^iTe goes 
L. Strong r.) 

Mrs. C. (To Kate down l.) Kate, Signer Victorini 
is going to sing again. You mustn't let Mr. Strong miss 
this song, 

Kate. Do you mean the little man with the black 
curls? 

Mrs. C. Yes. (Coming round from hack of sofa l.) 

Kate. I wouldn't miss watching him sing for any* 



26 THE IDLER. 

thing. (Goes up c. then down again. Apart to Mrs. C.) 
What do you think is the latest? 

(Enter Mebryweather l. u. e.) 

Mrs. Stanmore wants to marry papa. Isn't it fun? 
(Aside) Now I've done it! (Going up) Let us go, 
Mr. Strong. (Bus.) Papa, here's Mrs. Cross. Your 
moustache is out of curl. 

(Exeunt Strong and Kate c. off r. talking as they go) 

(Mrs. C. is following them, goes c.) 

Gen. Please don't leave me, Mrs. Cross. (Coming 
down to her c.) 

Mrs. C. I have so many guests. 

Gen. Spare me two minutes. I want you, if you will 
be good enough, to settle an anxious question for me. 

Mrs. C. Question? What is it? (Grossing to sofa 

L. C.) 

Gen. Am I, or am I not, an objectionable man? 

Mrs. C. (Sitting) The question is somewhat abrupt 
and singular. I'm afraid some one has been calling you 
names. 

Gen. (Sitting on settee) No — but I've arrived at 
that age when a man begins to doubt whether he is an 
agreeable person or not. 

Mrs. C. I thought a man never arrived at that age. 

Gen. I have, I assure you. Of the numbers of elderly 
men I see daily, quite nine out of ten appear to me to 
be objectionable. They look selfish, hard and sour — and 
each new old man I see I ask myself — am I like that? 

Mrs, C. You wish me to tell you then? 

Gen. Simply if you think me a very disagreeable 
person. 

Mrs. C. That's impossible. If I thought you very dis- 
agreeable, my politeness would not permit me to tell you. 
If I thought you altogether the reverse — my modesty 
would keep me silent. 

Gen. But I have a very serious object in asking 
the question. 

Mrs. C. (Aside) Hem! Mrs. Stanmore, I suppose. 
(Aloud) And that object? 

Gen. I am anxious to know whether in my old age 
you consider me sufiiciently agreeable to admit of my 
thinking of — er — of — marrying again? 



THE IDLER. 27 

Mrs. C. Oh, you are making a confidence. (Rising 
and crossing k. c.) But why to me, General? 

Gen. (Rising) To whom else should I offer it, dear 
Mrs Cross? (Coming l. of her) 

Mrs. C. You have made your choice? 

Gen. I have. I only fear that I have been too ambi- 
tious. (Goes up c.) You see I 

Mrs. C. I see you want to enlist my assistance? 
. Gen. (Comes doivn) How can I do without it? You 
see I am no better than a novice. 

Mrs. C. (Smiling) And yet you are not without ex- 
perience. 

Gen. My third choice proves that. 

Mrs. C. General, (Coming a little towards Mm) you 
shall have my assistance. It is my duty as hostess to try 
and please my guests. Wait where are a few moments. 
(Going up stage c.) 

(Exit c. off R.) 

Gen. (Coming doivn and sitting on sofa) " It is her 
duty as hostess to try and please her guests." How de- 
lightful! How charmingly put! She is mine! I'm a 
lucky man. Here I am at nearly sixty making for the 
third time in my life, a splendid conquest! Dear! dear! 
Why is it that these things comes so easily to me? What 
is there about my personality to account for it? I sup- 
pose it must be that vague negative quality called 
" charm — personal charm." A something that unac- 
countably pleases and attracts — a sort of unconscious 
magnetism. Humph! A useful thing to have about one. 
(Rising) It has secured for my old age a delightful 
wife and companion — no giddy girl, to cause perpetual 
anxiety. 

(Enter Mrs. Glynn-Stanmore r. u. e. smiling and look- 
ing at General who is well down r. with great gratifi- 
cation) 

No lady of uncertain age, and frivolous tendencies— 
but a woman of sense— of experience — of dignity and re- 
pose. (Crossing r.) 

Mrs. G.-S. My dear General— (l. c. up at settee— com- 
ing down c.) 

Gen. (r. down stage) Ah, you have returned. 
(Turns round and sees Mrs. G.-S.) Oh, it is you, Mrs. 
Stanmore. 

Mrs. G.-S, (r. c) Yc?, I Iiave come. I am deeply im- 



2S THE IDLER. 

pressed with a sense of the compliment you have paid 
me. {Coming down) 

Gen. a compliment, Mrs. Stanmore? 

Mrs. G.-S. Certainly. From such a man as you, I con- 
sider it a great compliment. Mrs. Cross has told me all. 

Gen. Oh, she has? 

Mrs. G.-S. Yes. Did you not intend her to? (Gross- 
ing to settee l. c.) 

Gen. Well, I really 

Mrs. G.-S. You see we are such old friends. (Sitting) 

Gen. (Going a little up stage) Oh yes, of course — 
old friends — and she told you? (Aside) Women will 
do that sort of thing. 

Mrs. G.-S. Yes. Indeed she urged me to see you at 
once. Of course, if I were a young girl, I should have 
still waited, but I am, I hope, a sensible woman, and your 
delicacy — your exquisite refinement in first speaking 
to my friend on the subject — touched and won me — so I 
have come. 

Gen. (Bewildered r. c.) Really, my dear Mrs. Stan- 
more 

Mrs. G.-S. Jane! 

Gen. I beg pardon. 

Mrs. G.-S. Call me Jane! 

Gen. Your name, you mean? 

Mrs. G.-S. Yes — Jane. You shall call me what you 
like. Won't you sit down? 

Gen. (Crossing to her) Oh, thank you. (Sitting) 
Do I understand, then — er 

Mrs. G,-S. (Bending her head modestly) Hush! Not 
another word. You needn't repeat to me what you said 
to Mrs. Cross. 

Gen. (Rather warmly) I assure you I had no such 
intention. 

Mrs. G.-S. I might have known that. Your refinement 
of feeling is too great. As for my answer, my presence 
here must dispel any doubt you may have had. (Bends 
towards him and gives him her hand) William, you are 
answered. 

Gen. (Takes her hand very bewildered) Really — 
you are very charming — but 

Mrs. G.-S. Ah, stop, I won't allow compliments. Re- 
member, we are sensible people — and compliments only 
become really valuable after marriage, don't you 
think so? 

Gen. Yes — oh yes — quite so. 

Mrs. G.-S. I wonder, William 

Gen. So do I. 



THE IDLER. 29 

Mrs. G.-S. I wonder how we shall agree about spend- 
ing the year? (Bus.) Christmas in the country, of 
course, and London in the Spring. But I do so love 
Paris. Do you like Paris, William? 

Gen. Oh yes, very much. I should recommend you 
to go to Paris. 

Mrs. G.-S. We agree then on that? How lovely! 

Gen. (Aside, rising and going r.) Great Heavens! 
The woman thinks I want to marry her! (Aloud) Mrs. 
Stanmore, I — er — I — have something serious to say to 
you. (Going up a little) 

Mrs. G.-S. (Rising) What is it, dear Willie? 

Gen. I wouldn't for worlds say anything that might 
be interpreted as other than — er — an expression of a 
deep sense, you know, but the fact is 

Mrs. G.-S. Let's go and hear the music — I'm so anx- 
ious lest our absence should be remarked upon. (Going 
up stage) 

Gen. Remarked upon? Heaven forbid! 

Mrs. G.-S. You know people do talk — and a poor little 
widow can't be too careful. 

Gen. Mrs. Stanmore, as a matter of fact, you are 
labouring under a mistake. 

Mrs. G.-S. A mistake? (Pauses, looks at him. Aside, 
coming down l. of. settee) Great Heavens, how absurdly 
awkward! General — (Crossing towards him.) 

Gen. Of course the mistake is delightfully compli- 
mentary to me — especially at my age — but 

Mrs. G.-S. Complimentary, General? Do you then 
consider it so great a compliment to be made fun of? 

Gen. Made fun of? 

Mrs. G.-S. Exactly. You didn't think I was serious, 
did you? How eagerly you soldiers snatch at a compli- 
ment. (Going up stage then coming down again) 

Gen. Of course, of course. (Aside) Confound the 
woman — she's clever. (Crossing l.) Do you think I 
didn't know that you were chaffing me? 

Mrs. G.-S. No, I don't believe you did. 

Gen. a good joke. Ha! ha! But, by Jove, I'd rather 
you'd been serious. 

Mrs. G.-S. Really? (seated on settee) 

Gen. Yes, indeed. But now, alas! " It's all over be- 
tween us " — as young lovers say when they quarrel. 
(Standing l)eside her) 

Mrs. G.-S. Do you then resign all hope? 

Gen. I must — because I know a woman could never 
love a man of whom she'd tried to make a fool. 



30 THE IDLER. 

Mrs. G.-S. My dear General, I'll confide in you as I 
would in — say a father. 

Gen. Delightful of you! 

Mrs. G.-S. (Rising) Well, had you been twenty-five 
years younger, I might — yes, really I might — (Laughing 
and going up stage) 

Gen. You will pay me compliments. {Going up 
stage) 

Mrs. G.-S. I might have thought about it. But May 
and December. Oh, impossible! Good night, dear De- 
cember! 

(Exit R. u. E.) 

Gen. (c.) She almost succeeded in making me look 
ridiculous. A damned dangerous woman. 

(Exit L.) 

(Enter Mark and Strong l. u. e.) 

Strong. If you don't accept my proposal I shall be 
disappointed in you. 

Mark. Do you want to get rid of me, Simeon? 

Strong. Certainly not. 

Mark. Then why send me to the far North — where 
I should be frozen to death? (In chair r. c.) 

Strong. (Sitting on settee) If there were no dan- 
ger in the expedition, I would not ask you to go — because 
I know it wouldn't suit you. Now tell me — what are you 
doing in London? 

Mark. Nothing. 

Strong. You mean loafing 

Mark. Yes! 

Strong. Does it pan out well? 

Mark. (r. c.) No. 

Strong. Nothing in it, eh? 

Mark. Nothing. 

Strong. I thought not. My dear Mark, you make me 
tired. The genuine loafer is born, not made. To loaf 
successfully requires certain negative qualities which 
you don't possess. You are naturally a restless, adven- 
turous spirit, and a long spell at loafing would lead you 
to the devil. Give it up, my boy — it's a bad scheme. 
(Rising) 

Mark. Perhaps you are right, Simeon — but I've had 
troubles and disappointments lately. 

Strong (Crossing to him r. c.) Of course. You 



THE IDLER. z^ 

haven't told me of them — that's not your way — but I 
guessed as much. Well, to a man with troubles, an in- 
vitation to the North Pole ought to be a godsend. 

Mark. The North Pole? 

Strong. Well, my expedition will go into the neigh- 
bourhood at least. Will you join it? (Crossing to set- 
tee again) 

Mark. If you were going now 

Strong. (Sitting on settee) I wish I could, but I 
have' a petroleum well, a railway, a newspaper, a fruit 
canning manufactory, and a silver mine to look after. 
Besides, I'm on the look out for a wife. 

Mark. A wife? And you must have a Polar expedi- 
tion as well? Simeon, you're ambitious. 

Strong. I am. I want to be heard of all round. 
I'm going to knock corners off this earth before I get 
through. If my millions prevent me from doing any- 
thing great, I can at least pay other people to do it. 
(Rising and going over to Mark) Mark, don't miss this 
affair — it's the biggest scheme on record. People are 
tired of Central Africa — it's time the old North Pole had 
a look in again. My expedition is going close — and don't 
you forget it. We're going to make people sit up and 
consider. 

Mark. What, on the north pole? 

Strong. Yes. You, my boy, shall, if you like, go as 
my representative. 

Mark. (Rising) Thank you, Simeon. 

Strong. (Offers hand) You accept? 

Mark. (About to take it) I — I will consider. 

Strong. Well, that's a point in my favour. You see, 
my dear boy 

(Enter Harding l.) 

Harding. Ah, Cross! I'm afraid I'm late. My wife 
is here? 

Mark. Yes, she is here. 

Strong. (Sees Harding — pause — to Mark) Mark, I 
have something to say to this gentleman which I would 
like to say in your presence. 

Mark. (r. c.) I hope it's nothing unpleasant. 

Strong, (c.) It's something serious. 

Mark. The same thing. 

(Pause) 
Strong Sir, — as a student of life, you may have re- 



32 THE IDLER. 

marked that when a man hates a man, he is sure to meet 
him again, sooner or later. 

Sir J. (L. c.) Well? 

Strong. Well, Sir John Harding — Gentleman Jack — 
here's an example of it. I have met you again — later 
than I could have wished yet sooner than I could have 
expected. 

Sir J. (Ironically) I am glad to he the humhle 
means of affording you any gratification, Mr. Strong. 

Strong. Your sneer is out of place. I am speaking 
to you now for the purpose of offering you a courtesy. 

Sir J. So far your courtesy has been conspicuously 
absent. 

Mark. Simeon — Harding, I hope you will remember 
that you are under my mother's roof. 

Sir. J. / have not forgotten it. 

Strong. I will remember it, Mark. The courtesy I 
wish to offer this gentleman is this. I warn him of the 
proceedings — criminal proceedings — I am about to have 
instituted against him, so that he may have an oppor- 
tunity of consulting his advisers. To-night I show my 
hand. You see, Sir John Harding, I fight fair. 

Sir J. All this has reference to the accident by which 
your brother lost his life? 

Strong. We are speaking of the murder of my 
brother, sir. 

Sir. J. You are mistaken, Mr. Strong, I did not mur- 
der your brother. 

Strong, (c.) Observe that, Mark. Gentleman Jack 
did not murder my brother. Nothing at all unusual or 
violent occurred in the Golden Valley — June 8, 1880. No 
one got hurt — and no one ran away. 

Sir J. (l. c.) I don't deny shooting your brother — 
or being fool enough to run away. I explained the mat- 
ter to your friend Cross only yesterday. 

Mark. (r. c.) Harding has assured me positively of 
the innocence of his intentions when he fired. 

Sir J. (c.) On my soul, that is true. For ten years 
I have regretted with the deepest bitterness — till the 
end of my life I shall regret with the same bitterness 
having, in what was really a drunken frolic, fired at and 
killed your brother. I swear to you that I had no 
thought of killing him. I assure you of my profound 
regret and sympathy, and I ask your forgiveness. 
(Extending Ms hand) 

Mark. Don't act hastily, Simeon. Try and forget 
the unfortunate incident. Of course your brother was 
very dear to you, but 



THE IDLER, S^. 

Stbong. (c.) No more, no more. Sir John Harding, 
you will have an opportunity of trying the credence of 
an American jury vth your version of the story. 

Mark. At least reflect before acting, Simeon, (r. c.) 

Strong. I have reflected for ten years. (Cross- 
ing R.) 

S'r J. I have said all I can say. I have spoken the 
simple truth. 

Mark, (c.) I am sure of that. (To Strong) Come, 
you believe him. Don't let the fact that Sir John Hard- 
ing, in his terror and confusion at the terrible moment, 
ran away and evaded pursuit, weigh so heavily on your 
mind. You might have done the same under similar 
circumstances. Now do delight me by shaking hands. 
{Hand on Strong's shoulder) 

Strong. No, such a thing is impossible! {Breaking 
away) 

Mark. (To Sib J.) Well, I've done my best. (Going 
up to piano b.) 

(Enter Lady Harding c. from r.) 

Strong, (b. c.) That is all. I am only seeking jus- 
tice — only doing, for my dear brother, what he would 
have done for me. I am quite unable to accept your as- 
surances, and so still have the honour of hating you. 

Sib J. (l., who has risen. Aside) Helen — my God! 
how shall I tell her? (Turns to l.) 

, (Music off stage) 

Lady H. (Forcing a smile — hack of settee) Gentle- 
men, is this a conspiracy? (Pause — The Men are con- 
fused) Come, what is it? A political discussion? It 
might be, as you all look so fierce. (Pause. Over set- 
tee) Reminiscences, perhaps, of life in America. What 
a sad time you must have had, if I'm to judge by your 
faces now. 

(Strong goes up stage) 

Mr. Strong, you shall tell me. (Putting bouquet on 
settee) Why this interesting gloom? 

Strong. Lady Harding, we were talking of a poor 
fellow we all knew, to whom I was devoted. He is now 



(Exit Strong c. off b.) 



34 THE IDLER. 

'(Lady H. after looking anxiously from Strong to Mask, 
turns L. to Harding) 

(Music) 

Sib J. XAside) I can't tell her! 

{Exit L.) 

Lady H. {To Mark, quickly and anxiously) Tell me 
the truth. 

Mark. {Coming down r. c.) About what? 

Lady H. (c) About that man — Mr, Strong. There 
is some mystery in which my husband is concerned. 

Mark. (r. c.) Why do you ask me? 

Lady H. Because you are in the secret. Don't keep 
it from me. Tliere is something terrible going on — 
something arising from the past— the wild life you all 
led in America — something not good for my husband. 
Ah, you see I am not blind. 

Mark. Why not ask your husband? 

Lady H. I know that he will tell me, but I want to 
anticipate that. I want to know the worst so that when 
he tells me I may be armed with fortitude. Por if he 
is in trouble, I will help him — if he is in danger, I will 
save him. {Going l.) 

T'ARK. {Turning to her) You will save him? 

Lady H. (l. c.) I will save him. Now tell me. 
That man hates my husband. Why? 

Mark. Helen, {Stepping towards her) I knew you 
would appeal to me, I wanted you to. Yet now that you 
do I shrink back, I want to warn you — remember my 
life's a wreck — and morally I'm drifting. Drifting 
wrecks are dangerous. 

Lady H. (c.) Don't you remain my friend? 

Mark. (r. c.) Yes, and more. 

Lady H. My friend. Well, can't my friend pity my 
distress and tell me the truth? 

Mark. Helen, you tempt me — and I am weak. 

Lady H. Tell me. {Pause) 

Mark. {Facing audience) Your husband killed a 
man in America. 

Lady H. Ah! {Pause) Some terrible accident. 

Mark. He pointed his revolver at him, fired, and 
shot him dead. 

Lady H. Dead? 

Mark. (r. c.) Yes. The man he killed was Simeon 
Strong's brother. 



THE IDLER. Sh 

Lady H. Simeon Strong's brother. (Pause) You 
mean, of course that my husband fought a duel. 

Mark. No. 

Lady H. Not a duel? 

Mark. (e. c.) Not a duel! 

Lady H. You — you have dared to tell me that John — 
my husband is an assassin? Go on. 

Mark. He declares that he had no intention of kill- 
ing the man. 

Lady H. He was found innocent. 

Mark. He has yet to be tried. 

Lady H. My God — to be tried — for an accident! 

Mark. (r. c. speaking quickly) Everyone at the 
time regarded it as a murder. 

Lady H. Well and now? 

Mark. Simeon Strong is about to have your husband 
arrested on the charge of murdering his brother. 

Lady H. (c.) He is innocent. 

Mark. (r. c.) He will be judged by facts. 

Lady H. (Slightly staggering) My God — what shall 
I do — what shall I ao? 

Mark. (Going towards her l. c.) (Aloud) Helen, 
Helen rouse yourself. 

Lady H. I must save him. You will help me. Mr. 
Strong is your friend. 

Mark. He is relentless. He has sworn to avenge 
his brother. Nothing will move him, unless 

Lady H. (Eagerly) Yes? (Pause — Mark face to 
audience) You said unless. 

Mark. Forget it. It had no meaning. The man was 
shot down before my eyes. Why should I interfere? 

Lady H. Save my husband — save him for my sake. 

Mark. For your sake? I have no right. 

Lady H. You have the right my friendship gives 
you. 

Mark. (Turning) Helen — it is not enough. 

Lady H. (Falling hack) I don't understand you! 
(Sits) 

Mark. (Coming towards her, she retreats to settee) 
Don't make me tell my thoughts in cold words — they are 
almost brutal. Don't make me show you my heart — it's 
black. 

Lady H. (Sitting on settee) Tell me what you think 
— what you mean. 

Mark. (Coming to her) Did I not tell you yesterday 
that I thought there was something of the villain in me? 
I know now there is. (Bending closer to her) Can't 
you see that I love you now, married as you are, more 



36 THE IDLER. j 

I 
than ever? Can't you read in my face a love that hun- ( 
gers for you — that is starving for you — a love that toj 
gain you would tempt eternity, (r. side of sofa) 

Lady H. Yes, I can see it. 

Mark. Fly from me — for your trouble is my oppor- 
tunity. 

Lady H. (Rise) Yes. You are a villain. (Cross- 
ing R.) 

Mark. (r. c.) I haven't told you all. Listen. I 
think I could save your husband. It depends upon you 
if I try. I had dared to think of suggesting this to you 
— that you come to my rooms to-morrow evening — say 
at ten o'clock. If I shall have failed to save your hus- 
band, you go. If I shall have succeeded — and give you 
proof — we leave England together. 

Lady H. You are mad! 

Mark. (r. c. and up a little) I thought, too, that you 
would require time to reflect — time, in which to assure 
yourself of your husband's peril. Then to-night, before 
you go, you could give me a signal to convey your de- 
cision. Say the dropping of your bouquet in my pres- 
ence to mean — you will come. (Pointing to where it lies 
on settee) 

Lady H. Go! (r. c.) 

Mark. Still I shall watch your bouquet. 

(Music stop) 

(He goes up stage) 

(Enter Sir J. at door l. Lady H. is well down b.) 

Mark. (To Harding) Ah, Harding, your wife in- 
sisted that I should tell her the truth. 

Sir J. (Moving down l.) Then she knows? 

Mark. All. j 

(Exit c. oft n.) I 

Sir J. (Pause — in a low voice) Helen! 

Lady H. (Shudders slightly — then suddenly stretches 
out her hands for him. Softly) John! (Bus. they 
meet l. c. and embrace) 

Sir J. My darling — you don't hate me then? 

Lady H. Hate you? That would be impossible. But 
I pity you — oh, so much — so much. 

Sir J. (c.) You don't think me guilty? 

Lady H. (c.) I know you are innocent 



THE IDLER. 37 

Sib J. I ought to have told you long ago — but I 
thought the past was closed — dead. 

Lady H. The past is never dead. 

Sir J. {Still embracing her) I was afraid to lose a 
particle of your love by confessing what a dreadful life 
I had led. Only yesterday I was tempted to tell you — 
but I did not dare — you were so happy. 

Lady H. Yesterday is a long time ago. 

Sir J. A long time! 

Lady H. John, you must be saved. 

Sir J. I must stand my trial. They may believe me. 

Lady H. Are you sure they will? 

Sir J. No. My motives were innocent — but my ac' 
tions appeared guilty. 

Lady H. You must not risk a trial. They would 
separate us — and take you away alone — and — I dare not 
think of it. John, we must go away. 

Sir J. That is impossible. 

Lady H. (c. gradually getting near him) Hush! 
We must go away together, at once — to-night — away to 
some obscure corner of the world. We will live there, 
darling, alone, just we two. We will lose the world, but 
we will have each other, we will lose all else but our love. 
John — my husband — You will have no regrets — I will 
make you happy. I cannot have you taken from me. 
It would kill me. 

Sir J. My darling, we cannot do this. 

Lady H. Why not? 

Sir J. If I were to fly again it would be regarded as 
a confession of guilt. I should be pursued and arrested. 
No, I must meet this charge boldly — face to face — be- 
lieve me, that is the wisest — the safest course. My lov», 
try and be brave. 

Lady H. (Aside) God help me, God help me! 

Sir J. Try and smile to the world. Here's your bou- 
quet. (Taking it from sofa) 

(Music) 

Lady H. I don't want it now. (Shrinking from it) 
I don't want it now. 

Sib J. You forget who gave it to you. (Holds it out 
to her) 

(Lady H. takes "bouquet slowly — looking at her husband) 

(Enter Mrs. Cross l. u. e.) 



38 THE IDLER. 

We will go now. I'll order the carriage. (Crossing 
to door li.) 

(Enter Simeon Strong r. v. e.) 

Mrs. C. (Coming down stage) You are not going, Sir 
John? 

(Enter Mark, Mrs. S., Kate r. u. e., General enters 
L. u. e.) 

Sir J. Yes, it is quite late. 

(Exits L.) 

(Lady H. crosses to Strong, who after shaking hands 
with Mrs. Cross has gone l.) 

Lady H. Mr. Strong, you will forgive my husband? 
He is innocent. 

Strong, (l.) Of what, Lady Harding? 

Lady H. Of intending to kill your brother. 

Strong. He will have an opportunity of proving that 

(L.) 

Lady H. If you injure my husband, you injure me. 
You don't wish that? (Pause) Forgive him an unin- 
tentional injury, (Pause) He is very dear to me. 

Strong. Lady Harding, my brother was very dear to 
me. It is as painful for me to refuse you as for you 
to be refused. 

(Exits L.) 

(Mark is standing hy piano r. with Mrs. Stanmore. 
Lady H. stands l. c. alone for a moment) 

Lady H. (Aside) That man can and shall save my 
husband. I will save myself. (Drops bouquet, move- 
ment for Mark) 

SLOW CURTAIN 

PICTURE 

Kate Mrs. S. 
Mrs. C. General 

Mark Lady H. Sib John, 



THE IDLER. 39 

ACT III. 

(Music) 
Scene: — Mark Cross's rooms, London. A hctchelor's 
apartment opening on to balcony with a view of park 
beyond. 

(Discovered Bennett, Mark's manservant) 

Ben. (At table r. c, with letters on salver) I al- 
ways feel nervous while we're in London. The women 
is so artful. If the governor was to get collared and 
spliced again, it'd just break my heart. I'd just like to 
hear him say these three words, " Bennett, pack up." 
No man's safe nowadays unless he keeps moving. 
(Puttihg letters on table) 

(Enter Mark l. door) 

Mark. Has anyone called? 

Ben. No, sir; but there are a few letters here. 

(Mark crosses r., hands Bennett his hat and overcoat^ 

(Exit Bennett l.) 

Mark. (At table r.) Simeon is almost due. He 
won't fail me at least. Will Helen? Perhaps. Will she 
leave her husband for the sake of saving his life? Will 
she ever love me as I once thought she did? 

(Enter Mrs. Cross l. door) 

Mrs. C. (Coming to l. c.) Now, my dear boy, are 
you ready? 

Mark. (Turning) For what, mother? 

Mrs. C. (c.) To come with me to Mrs. Glynn-Stan- 
more's party. 

Mark. No, I'm not. 

Mrs. C. (Coming towards him gradually) But you 
almost promised me. 

Mark. But not quite. 

Mrs. C. (Putting cloak on arm of sofa) No, you 
never quite promise me anything. But I've found you 
sometimes open to persuasion — that's why I've called. 

Mark. (r. c.) Don't try this time, mother. 

Mrs. C. (c.) Why not? 



40 THE IDLER. 

Maek. (Turning to her) Because failure is so un« 
pleasant. Sit down, mother. 

Mrs. C. (Sitting e. c. chair) It's better to try and 
fail than not to try at all. 

Mark. (Crossing l.) By no means. Failure is the 
unpardonable sin. 

Mes. C. You won't come with me then? 

Maek. I can't. (Sits l, on couch) 

Mes. C. I'm sorry. (Rising and going to him) 
Might an anxious mother ask her boy's reasons for re- 
fusing her? 

Maek. Certainly; but her boy would decline to bore 
his charming mother with uninteresting details. 

Mrs. C. Very pretty, but very unsatisfactory. I wish 
you were young enough and small enough for me to beat 
you. (Kisses him) 

Maek. I wish so too. 

Mes. C. (Going round to "bach of sofa) Mark, do 
you love me? 

Maek. (Still sitting on sofa) I ought to, mother, for 
you are the only being I know worth loving. 

Mes. C. Then why am I not your confidante? 

Maek. Because I have no interesting confidences to 
offer you. 

Mes. C. (In chair side of sofa l.) Hush! you 
shouldn't prevaricate with your mother. You inherit 
your poor father's fault of over reserve. You hug your 
thoughts, your secrets, your troubles close against your 
own heart. Perhaps sometimes they hurt you. You 
give those who love you no opportunity of showing their 
love, their sympathy — of helping you to bear a trouble 
— of sharing with you a joy. I have often and often 
said to myself " Why does my boy choose to bear his 
burdens alone, while I am alive to share them?" 

Mark. My dear mother, you are quite wrong. I have 
no burdens to bear — no joys to share with you. 

Mes. C. (Rising) I know I'm right. I'll give you 
an instance. You never told me of your marriage to that 
horrible woman till she was dead, 

Maek. (Rising) I wanted to spare you pain. (Go- 
ing c.) 

Mes. C. You don't understand that helping to bear 
the child's pain is the mother's greatest joy. We've 
not been together enough of late, dear. (Sits on sofa) 

Maek. (Grossing to her) I feel now^ mother, that 
we've never been together enough. 

Mes. C. (Seated on sofa) Mind you, I don't blame 
you for not wearing your heart on your sleeve; but 



THE IDLER. 41 

there's a medium between wearing it on your sleeve 
and concealing it in your boots. At any rate, it ought 
to be visible to your mother sometimes. I wish I could 
see it now. {Taking Ms hand) 

Mark. You would find it very uninteresting. 

Mrs. C. I don't think so. 

Mark. You would. (Ooing slowly to fireplace) I'm 
sure you would. 

Mrs. C. (Rising) Well, if you won't go with me, I 
suppose I must go by myself. (Pause) Mark, you 
haven't told me, by the way, what you think of Lady 
Harding. 

Mark. Lady Harding? She hasn't changed much 

since I — since we first knew her. (Going down r.) 

Mrs. C. (r. c.) Have you? (Significantly) 

Mark, (r.) In what way? (Sitting end of writing- 
table) 

Mrs. C. You used to like her. 

Mark. (Turning away) Yes. (Slowly) 

Mrs. C. I sometimes think you more than liked her. 

Mark. Was it ever your impression that she more 
than liked me? 

Mrs. C. Yes; but we were both mistaken it seems. 

Mark. Yes, so it seems. 

Mrs. C. (Going to him) Oh, my dear, you were not 
badly hurt, I hope? (Beside him) 

Mark. Why do you ask? 

Mrs. C. Only because I love you. 

Mark. (Forcing laugh) Best of mothers, don't be 
afraid. My heart has now a thick skin. 

Mrs. C. Then you have nothing to reveal to your new 
confidante? 

Mark. (Turning to her) Nothing. 

Mrs. C. Absolutely nothing? 

Mark. Absolutely nothing. 

(Bennett enters l.) 

Ben. Mr. Strong. 

Mark. Ah, Simeon! (Goes to fireplace) 

(Enter Simeon Strong l.) 

Strong, (l. c.) Mrs. Cross, this is a delightful sur- 
prise. I thought to find Mark quite alone. 

Mrs. C. (Grossing to sofa) I am just going. I can't 
persuade Mark to come with me, so I will leave him 
with you. (Bus. with mantle) 



4-2 THE IDLER. 

Strong. I had no idea my friend Mark had such bad 
taste. 

Mrs. C. (l., going up stage to door l.) Mr. Strong, 
I look to you to keep Mark out of mischief. 

Mark. He'll do that. (Going up) 

Mrs. C. Good-bye, my boy, for the present — good-bye. 
(Aside) I'm not quite satisfied. (Mark goes to door) 

(Exit Mrs. C. l. door) 

Strong, (c.) Well, my boy, here I am as com- 
manded. 

Mark. (r. c.) It was very good of you to come. 
Let us talk. 

Strong. And smoke. 

Mark. (Going up to sideboard) And drink. 

Strong. I'll throw in a light one. (Sitting on 
sofa L.) 

Mark. Whiskey and soda? 

Strong. Thank you — with a slight squeeze of lemon. 

Mark. (At sideboard) Let me give you a cigar. 

Strong. No, thanks, I'll use one of my own. I like 
'em green. (Lighting cigar which he has taken from 
his own case) Why won't you help me to do a little 
London to-night? 

Mark. It's impossible to-night. 

Strong. Well, I couldn't expect you to soften to me 
after refusing your mother. That's a grand woman, 
Mark — a priceless treasure to a man. 

Mark. (At sideboard l.) Have you done anything 
about Harding yet? 

Strong. No, I've left it over till to-morrow as you 
asked. 

Mark. You've not altered your mind then? 

Strong. My mind is i^nalterable. 

Mark. (Back of table — aside) It has to be altered 
though. (Aloud) Well, Simeon, this affair recalls the 
old days, doesn't it?— conjures up a host of memories. 
(Fills glasses) Not all painful ones, eh, Simeon? 

Strong. Don't you think a man's view of the past de- 
pends very considerably on his condition in the present'.' 
(Bus.) 

Mark. (Taking bottles to buffet) Yes, that's quite 
true. And you accordingly should be the last to look^ at 
the past with bitterness. (Lighting cigarette which he 
has taken from table l. c.) 

Strong. I — I don't, with the exception of the one 
thing you know of. 



THE IDLER. 43 

Mark. (Back of table — aside) Always back to that. 
(Aloud) Well, Simeon, who knows, we might have 
been in Golden Valley still if that old flood hadn't swept 
us out like a lot of rats. (Coming b. of Strong) 

Strong. I would have been there still if you hadn't 
yanked me out of that same flood. 

Mark. (Aside) Good. 

Strong. My memory is as green for a benefit as for 
an injury. My boy, we've met too seldom, but you know 
I. don't forget. We understand each other. (Putting 
out his hand) 

Mark. (Shaking Strong's hand) I feel like that, 
Simeon. 

Strong. These things don't require to be spoken. 
There's a truth in the hand grip — a look in the eye — 
which makes you know your man, eh? Now I'll drink. 
(Getting glass from table.) Here's to us. (They clink 
glasses and drink) 

Mark. Right! — what is sentiment without whiskey? 
(Pause — he sits on back of chair r. c.) Simeon, if I 
were to ask a favour of you, I don't think you'd refuse 
me. 

Strong. (Laying down glass, still seated on settee) 
I opine I wouldn't. 

Mark. Well, I'll ask a favour — simply as man to 
man — friend to friend. 

Strong. Ask it then as friend to friend, and under- 
stand it's already granted. 

Mark. Whatever it may be? (Rising and putting 
glass on table l. c.) 

Strong. Whatever it may be. 

Mark. Good! You're a white man. (Goes back to 
desk and arranges writing materials) Sit down and 
write. 

Strong. (Crosses and sits at writing table r., lays 
doiDu cigar) I'm with you. Consider me your clerk — 
and fire away. 

Mark. (At fireplace) I want you to write a letter. 
Address it from your hotel — with the date. 

(Simeon writes. Mark sits in chair at fireplace) 

Strong. All right. 

Mark. Say "To Sir John Harding." (Simeon looks 
up — pause) Go on. 

Strong. Did I understand you to say Sir John Hard- 
ing? 



44 THE IDLER. 

Mark. That's what I said. (Strong pauses thought- 
fully, then writes slowly) Have you written that? 

Strong. Yes. 

Mark. Then proceed — "Sir", (Strong writes and 
repeats as he writes) "After deep and earnest reflec- 
tion and consultation with my friend Mark Cross — 
(Rising and coming r. c.) who was a witne'^^s of the 
painful and lamentable incident we discussed in our 
conversation of yesterday — I mean the death of my 
brother in Golden Valley — I have come to the conclusion 
that, in entertaining feelings of resentment towards 

you " (Pause. During speech Mark crosses slowly 

down stage r. c. then to l, c.) 

Strong. Well, what next? 

Mark. (Facing audience) " I have been doing you 
an injustice." 

Strong. (Looking up — pause) Are you serious in 
asking me to write this? 

Mark. Perfectly serious. 

Strong. I'm very sorry, but it can't be done. 
(Rising) 

Mark, (c.) Remember you have already granted me 
my little favour. 

Strong, (r. of Mark) This is not a little favour — 
this is something I have not the power to grant — unless 
I break my oath — abandon a sacred duty. You said you 
would ask a favour as friend to friend. Is it as friend 
that you ask me to act the coward and liar to myself — 
to insult my brother's memory by forgiving and bless- 
ing his murderer? 

Mark. (Standing c.) Yes, it is as a friend that I 
ask you to forget and forgive a painful accident which 
cost your brother his life, you years of sorrow, and John 
Harding years of remorse. As a friend I ask you to 
break the hasty oath of a revengeful heart — to forget 
the sorrow which the death of one man brought you, in 
the consolation of having spared another. (Puts his 
hand on Strong's shoulder) 

Strong. (Moving away to r. side of r. table) Mark, 
it gives me real pain to refuse you, but I must. I want 
justice — not vengeance as you think — but justice on the 
man who killed my brother — and, by God, I mean to 
have it. (Bus.) That remark closes the subject. (Sits 
in chair r. After a pause, picks up cigar from table, 
finding that it has gone out, says) Pass the matches, 
old man. 

Mark. (Gets match from table l. c, strikes it for 
Mm) Simeon! (Comes close to him r. and lays his 



THE IDLER. 45 

fiand on his shoulder) The subject can't be closed just 
yet. By refusing to grant me this favour you make my 
position a very painful one. 

Strong. Why, what is this Harding to you? 

Mark. He is nothing — although, on my soul, after 
hearing his story I believe him to be innocent. 

Strong. A jury shall decide that. 

Mark. (Orossing l. c.) I don't know how to say 
what I must — you will think me mean, you will hate 
me. 

Strong. That's not likely. Let's hear it. 

Mark, (c.) Well, your refusal compels me to claim 
as a right which I have just asked as a favour. Yet 
you know me well enough to be sure that, if I had ever 
done you a service, I should be the last man in the 
world to claim a return, a reward — unless under great 
stress of circumstances. 

Strong. (Rising) Mark! (Facing him over desk) 

Mark. I see you understand me. (Pause) 

Strong. Perhaps, but I may mistake. Say your 
meaning bluntly. 

Mark. I claim from you the life of John Harding in 
return for the life I gave you. (Pause) 

Strong. Mark, ask me something else — anything but 
this. 

Mark. I require nothing else. 

Strong. You can't know how much it is you ask me 
to give up. 

Mark. I do know. 

Strong. And yet insist? 

Mark. Yes. 

Strong. Tell me why. (Pause) 

Mark. I cannot. If you think I ask more than I have 
claim to — (Goes up l. c.) 

Strong. I? God forbid! I was only thinking of my 
brother. 

Mark. (Crossing to Strong, clasping his hand and 
laying his own hand on Strong's shoulder) Simeon, I 
will be your brother. 

Strong. No more! That settles it. We'll now get on 
with the letter. (Coming round hack of table and sit- 
ting) Perhaps I'd better read what I've already writ- 
ten. 

Mark. Let me. (Side of chair) 

Strong. (Sitting at desk) No, I don't mind it. 
(Ironically) I rather like it. Let me see, this is the 
pith of it, " that in entertaining feelings of resentment 
against him I have been doing him an injustice." I 



46 THE IDLER. 

know what else you want. (Writes) I am to accept 
his expressions of regret and assure him that I have 
completely abandoned all intention of having him ar- 
rested. {Blots paper) There! will that do? (Hands 
letter to Mark) 

Mark. {Glancing over letter) Yes — that will do. 
Remember this you have done for me. I am to use this 
letter as I like. I won't attempt to thank you now. 

Strong. (Rising, coming to him) Or at any time. 

M.vRK. (Holding out hand) You forgive me for 
asking so much? 

Strong. (Takes his Ticnd) You asked less than you 
were entitled to — yet more than 1 could give ungrudg- 
ingly. It is you who must forgive me. 

(The clock strikes ten) 

M.vRK. (Starting) Ten o'clock. (Knock at door l. — 
Goes nearer door and listens) Excuse me, a visitor. 

Strong. I am going. (Lights) 

Mark. Once more forgive me. (Turns lamp which is 
on a stand at door l. low down, making room very dark) 
One moment, Simeon. (Opens door l.) 

(Enter Lady Harding) 

{In a whisper to her) Hush! it is Strong, he is going. 

(Strong, who is down l., goes straight up stage to door) 

Mark. Good night, Simeon. 
Strong. Good night, Mark. 
(Exit Simeon at door l. Mark turns up lamp. Lights 
up) 

L-vDY H. (Agitated) Have you succeeded? (Going 
down stage) 

Mark, (l.) I have. 

Lady H. (l. c.) Where is the proof? 

Mark, (l., holding Strong's letter behind him) It 
is here. 

Lady H. (Steps towards him) What is it? 

Mark. It is a letter from Simeon Strong to your hus- 
band, fully exonerating him, and pledging himself to 
abandon proceedings. 

Lady H. (r. c.) Then my husband is saved. Thank 
God. (Turning away r, puttin§ fan on table b. c.) 



THE IDLER. 47 

Mask. He is saved if this letter reaches him. Why 

do you keep your veil on? 

Ladt H. To hide my anguish. {Remryceg veil) 
There, you may see my face. {Extending hand) You 
will let me take that letter to my husband? 

Maek. (c.) You have forgotten. Remember our 
compact. 

Lady H. (b. c. ) I have forgotten everything but my 
husband s danger, rememi>ered only that I must save 
him. 

Mark. (Gradually approaching) Helen — shall I re- 
mind you? You have come to me because I have 
saved your husband and because I love you — 
to remain with me — to be to me what you would have 
been had you never met John Harding — my companion, 
my all — that was your pledge. You and I are to leave 
England together to-night. 

Lady H. (r. c.) Why do you torture me like this? 
My husband is not saved. You hold his fate in your 
hands, and you are toying with it, and with my anguish. 
My husband must have that letter at once. 

Maek. (Goes to l. of desk) He shall. I will send 
it to him. (Ringing tell. Encloses letter in envelope. 
To Lady H.) Where is he now? 

Lady H. (b. c.) At home. (Pause) 

(BEy>"ZTT enters l.) 

Mark (Throicing down pen) He'd know my writ- 
ing. {Crossing to Bi35-ETT l. — to BE??.) Take this 
letter to Sir John Harding — you will find him at home. 
It's not addressed — simply leave it for him, {In a low 
voice) without letting it be known where you come 
from; you understand? 

BE>r. Yes, sir. 

Ma£X. Go : 

{Exit Bz^ssTTi L, door) 

Lady H. (b, c. sighs deeply — going up stage) And 
now, Mark, / must go. 

Mabk. (l. c.) You don't mean that seriously? 

Lady H. (c.) You know that I cannot stay. 

iLvBK. But your pledge? 

L.^DY H. I have never thought of it till now. {Tumr 
ing her face aicay) I have thought only of my husband. 

Mabk. Then you lied to me. 

Lady H. It is better to break a bad pledge than do 



48 THE IDLER. 

a more infamous thing. You have saved my husband. 
You have now to save yourself — and me. You have to 
let me go back to my husband, 

Mark. That is impossible. 

Lady H. (Trying to go) Let me go. 

Mark. (Rushing quickly to door) I cannot. 
(Locks door l. and takes key, goes c.) 

Lady H. (Leans against door, slight pause; she then 
laughs hysterically) You must see as well as I do that 
our present position besides being dangerous, is a foolish 
and absurd one. Let us be wise and treat it as a jest — 
on your part — the whim of an eccentric man who wishes 
to cloak a generous action by affecting selfish motives — 
on my part a harmless escapade to save my husband 
by humoring an eccentric man. Let us part friends — I 
with a feeling of unending gratitude to you — you with 
your friendship for me not sullied and ruined by the 
loss of your respect. (Offers her hand) 

Mark. (Takes her hand) It can't be so, Helen, it 
can't be so. My love has stolen my senses away. It has 
absorbed every other feeling. It is myself — when you 
are away from me, I suffer tortures. To be near you is 
to be happy. (Puts his arm round her waist) The 
sound of your voice, the touch of your hand, the rus- 
tle of your^ gown, fill me with indescribable emotion. 
I have waited for you — earned you by a love greater 
than other men know — lost you — and I have found you 
again. You are here in my house — pledged to me — my 
own! (Embraces her) 

Lady H. (Throwing him oft) Don't touch me. I 
tell you I am not and never will be yours. (Moving to 
door) Will you let me go? (c.) 

Mark. I cannot give you up. (Standing end of 
desk) 

Lady H. Remember I am your mother's friend. 
(Coming down c.) 

Mark. I cannot give you up! 

Lady H. (c.) Will you listen to me? (Music) 

Mark. (Very softly) 1 love to hear your voice. 
(Moving slightly towards her) 

Lady H. (c.) I am alone here in your power, but 
I don't fear you. I am not even angry, for I have a 
regard for you. Once I thought this regard was love, 
but I was wrong; and when I met my husband, I was 
glad that you had gone away, as I thought, not loving 
^me. But now you have returned, and I know that you 
have loved me all the time, my heart aches with sorrow 
for you. I won't say that your- love is base. I will say 



THE IDLER. 49 

it is unhappy. What can I do? The dearest things in 
life to me — my love, my duty, my fondest secret hopes 
are bound up in my husband — and you, knowing what 
love is, can forgive a woman who — who acts a lie to 
save the man she loves. What can 7 do? It is not for 
me to be generous. The opportunity is not mine. It 
is yours. Save me from ruin and yourself from crime. 
There is a generous instinct rising in j^our heart as I 
speak. Don't stifle it, and you will bring a happiness 
into your life that will never die. Mark, old friend, let 
me go. (Close "beside Mm — Pause) 

Mark. {Islot moving) You can never love me then? 

Lady H. (r. c.) Never. {Pause) 

Mark. (Takes key from pocket, goes to door l.) Go 
— go quickly! 

(8top Music) 

(Unlocks door and is startled ty someone outside) 
(Up at L. door) Someone on the stairs. Is that you, 
Bennett? 

Sir J. (l. door outside) It is I, Cross. 

Mark. Good God! (SMitting door) 

Lady H. (Has followed Mark and is now standing 
c. close by curtained window) My husband! 

Mark. My God! — Go on to the balcony — I will get 
him away at once. 

(Exit Lady Harding c.) 

(Mark closes curtains) 

Mark. Come in, Harding! 

(Enter Harding l., crossing to chair r. c.) 

Sir J. Cross, I hope I don't disturb you. (Putting 
hat over fan on table r. c.) 

Mark. (Putting chair by table r. c.) Not at all. 
Sit down. How are you? (Coming towards c.) 

Sir J. (Sitting r. c.) I was anxious to see you for 
a few moments while I am still at liberty. I suppose 
to-morrow — or at latest, the next day — I shall be ar- 
rested. 

Mark, Perhaps not. (Sitting on sofa l. c.) 

Sir J. This terrible misfortune I could bear, Cross, 
if I were alone. But — I think it will kill my wife. 

Mark. (Aside l. c.) How am I to get him away? 



50 THE IDLER. 

Sir J. I sitoply want to ask you one thing. If you 
are called upon at the trial, will your evidence be hos- 
tile to me or not? But perhaps you had rather not say? 

Mark. (Rising) If you had stayed at home this 
evening, you would, I think, have received a letter 
which would have relieved your mind. 

Sir J. A letter? From whom? From you? 

Mark. No, from Simeon Strong. 

Sir J. {Rising) From Simeon Strong? What could 
he have to say to me now? 

Mark. Go home and see. (c.) You will find that 
Strong completely exonerates you. 

Sir J. (r. c, slowly) Can this be possible? 

Mark. Now, you see, the sooner you get the letter 
into your possession, the better. (Going l. c.) 

Sir J. Saved! I can scarcely realise it. Who has 
done this? (Pause, lays hands on Mark's shoulder) 
You are the man. 

Mark. I? — Nonsense! — I haven't the power. (Turn- 
ing away to l.) 

Sir J. (c.) Ah yes, you have. Didn't you tell me 
that you once saved his life? 

Mark. Yes. We'll talk of that some other time. 
(Grossing r. and moving chair) 

Sir J. I see — you don't want to be thanked. I'll go. 
(Crosses to table r. c.) 

Mark. (r. c, aside) Thank God! 

Sir J. But I must say one thing. I am afraid I have 
wronged you in thought. Forgive me. (Offers his 
hand) 

Mark. (Pauses a moment, then slow>ly takes it, r.) 
Yes, I'll forgive you. Go now. We'll meet again. 
(Going up stage) 

(Sir J. is going ivhen enter Mrs. Cross l.) 

Mrs. C. (Going c.) Mark, I've been bored almost to 
death. You here. Sir John? I missed you at Mrs. Stan- 
more's. You were wise, (Shakes hands with Sir J.) 

Sir J. (r. of Mrs. C.) You met my wife, of course? 

Mrs. C. (c.) No, she, too, was wise and stayed away. 

Sir J. (r. c, surprised) She left home to go. 

Mrs. C. (Aside) Dear me! I hope I haven't made 
mischief. (Turns to Sir J., embarrassed) There was 
such a crowd, she might easily have been there without 
my seeing her. (Grossing r.) 

Sir J.. That is hardly likely, (l. aside) Where can 
she have gone? (Goes down l.) 



THE IDLER. 51 

Mark. (Aside to Mrs. C. who is on his l.) Do me £^ 
favour. Get rid of Harding at once. 

Mrs. C. Why? 

Mark. Don't ask me now, only take* him away. ((?o- 
ing up) 

Mrs. C. (At chair r., aloud) Well, if you have some 
writing to do, I'll excuse you; but Sir John I am sure 
will be more gallant. (Tc Harding) Will you drive as 
far as my door with me? I feel rather nervous to-night. 
(Crossing l. to door) 

Sir J. I shall be delighted. (Aside, reflectively) 
Strange! Where can she have gone? (Crossing to 
desk R. c.) 

Mrs. C. (Turning l.) Come, Sir John. 

Sir J. (To Cross) Well, good-bye. (Takes his hat 
from table r. c. — unter it lies his wife's fan. He looks 
at fan — then looks at Mrs. C. To Mrs. C. : ) You are 
leaving your fan. (Offers it to her) 

Mrs. C. (l.) No — oh — yes! (Glancing at Mark) I 
— (Offers to take it) 

Sir J. (r. c, lightly) But no — I see you have your 
own. (Puts fan down. Looks at Mark keenly — to 
Mark) You haven't seen my wife to-night? 

Mark. (r. c.) No. 

(Enter Bennett l. door; crosses to r. c.) 

Ben. I've been to Sir John's house, sir — but — (Sees 
Harding) I beg pardon, sir. (Offers letter to Hard- 
ing) 

Mark. (r. c.) Oh, that's Strong's letter. 

Sir J. (Aside) Not addressed. (To Ben. who is 
going to door l.) Stay! Who sent you with this? 

Ben. (At door l.) Mr. Cross, sir, and (Catches 

Mark's eye and stops) 

Sir J. (c.) Yes — and who else? 

Ben. (L. c.) I said Mr. Cross sent me, sir. 

Sir J. (c.) But you said "and" 

Mark. (At r. desk) And Mr. Strong, of course* 
That will do, Bennett. 

(Exit Bennett l. door) 

(Sir J. after a slight pause, crosses l., opens letter and 
reads) 

Mark (Aside to Mrs. C. hy fireplace) You must get 
rid of him at once. 

Mrs. C. You must tell me why. 



52 THE IDLER. 

Mark. His wife is here. (Goes up and then goes 
down E.) 

Mrs, C. (Mrs. C. is startled) Sir John, will you come 
with me? {Crossing l.) You can easily read your letter 
in my carriage. Will you come? (At door l.) 

Sir J. (Quietly) One moment. (Crosses to tahle 
r. c, picks up fan, sees monogram — hus. — To Mark) 
My wife has not been here? 

Mark. No. (r. of table r. c. pretending to read let- 
ters) 

Sir J./- (r. c.) Then why is her fan here? (Pause) 
Why was this letter sent unaddressed ? (Pause) Why 
did your servant stop and look at you when about to 
mention somebody who was with you sent the letter? 
(Pause) Why did you prompt your mother to hurry 
my departure? Why do you stand without answering 
me? Damn it, man, speak! 

Mark. Harding, I have already assured you 

Sir J. (c.) You have assured me a lie. 

Mark, (r) Harding! 

Sir J. (c.) A lie! I read it in your face — a lie. 
Explain this. (Holds up fan) My wife's fan — impossi- 
ble to mistake — here is her monogram. You can't ex- 
plain. (Mrs. C. crosses) No other lie is ready. Give 
me the truth then! For God's sake, man, give me the 
truth! 

Mark. Harding, you are needlessly excited. When 
you are cooler, you will see that you have been both 
foolish and unjust. Now be sensible and go. 

Sir J. (Facing him r. c.) I will not go. (Puts fan 
down and moves l.) My wife has not been to Mrs. 
Stanmore's, and I find her fan in your rooms. She must 
have been here — she may be here still. As you have 
lied to me once, I have a right to assure myself, and 
I will! (Moves to l. c.) 

(Music) 

Mark. (b. c.) This is a libefty which I will not 
permit. (They meet c.) 

(Enter Lady Harding c.) 

Lady H. John! (Mark and Sir J. fall 1)ack) 
Sir J. Helen! My God! (Pause — sits l.) 
Lady H. John, I can explain. Take me home. 
(Coming down c.) 



THE IDLER, 53 

Sir J. Alone — with another man — hiding from me! 
(Repeating) Hiding from me! 

Lady H. (Coming down l. c.) I came — to get — the 
letter. 

Sir J. (Rising) And to remain here — to remain. 
Was it necessary to come alone? Was it necessary to 
conceal your movements from me — to lie to me? Was 
it necessary to remain here alone with a man — hidden 
away in the rooms of a man whose name has been 
coupled with yours before? 

Lady H. John! I am innocent and have saved you. 

Sir J. (Tears up letted) The price — the price! 
You save my life and kill my heart! 

Lady H. (c.) John — you will believe me? 

Sir J. (Turning on her) Never! Never 

Mark, (r.) Harding, I will tell you the whole 
truth. 

Sir J. You! You have had time to invent another 
lie! (Furiously) Another word, and I — (Crossing b.) 

(Lady H. stands between them) 

Then we will meet again — once more. (Crossing to 
table B. c.) 
Mark. As you please. (Goes up) 

(John takes hat and is about to go) 

Lady H. (Opposing John r. c.) John — stay! You 
know that I am innocent — that you are wronging me 
cruelly — that I love you with all my pfe and soul! 

Sir J. Don't touch me. It is all over. You are false 
and hateful to me. Let me go. I will not have you 

touch me. You are shameful and shameless, you 

(Going c.) 

Lady H. (On his r. arms round his neck) Hush! 
for God's sake. You don't know what you are saying. 
(She clings to him) You shall not go till you have 
heard me. (He struggles to disengage himself) You 
must know my truth to you — you must know my love — 
see it in my eyes — hear it in niy voice. 

Sir J. (Disengaging himself) I don't want such love 
— stay where it is more welcome! 

(Throws her off and exits violently l. door) 

Lady H. John! John! (Falls to the ground) 



54: THE IDLER. 

Mrs. Cboss {Goes to her) 
Helen 
Mabk 

CURTAIN. 
Picture. 
Mrs. Cross Lady H. 
Mark 

ACT IV. 

Scene: — Same as Act III. The following day. 

(Bennett discovered) 

Ben. I've a feeling I made an idiot of myself over 
that letter last night — too ready with my tongue — that's 
what it is. A servant as has the truth always on the 
tip of his tongue ain't no use. He should always have a 
lie ready behind his teeth — one behind each tooth for 
that matter. (Knock) Who's that? (Goes to door l.) 

(Enter General Merryweather and Kate l.) 

Gen. (l. c.) Is Mr. Cross at home? 
Ben. Yes, sir. I'll tell him you are here. 

(Exit Bennett r. door) 

Kate. (Up c. critically looking round) And so these 
are bachelor's rooms! This looks like anyone else's. 

Gen. (c. putting hat and stick on couch) My dear, 
will you oblige me by sitting down and remaining quiet. 
Perhaps you will tell me why you insisted on following 
me here. (Sitting on couch) 

Kate. (Sitting — r. c. chair) You may be sure, Papa, 
that I would not follow you if I had anyone else to fol- 
low. 

Gen. Oh, I am aware of that, my darling child — and 
can only regret that you have hitherto — failed to attract. 

Kate. (r. c.) You are quite wrong, papa, I do at- 
tract. 



THE IDLER. 55 

(jEN. Oh, you do! 

Kate. (r. c.) I'm a perfect loadstone, a magnet. 

Gen. Really now! 

Kate. I've lots of chances — but I've failed to be at- 
tracted. Of all the men I've met this season, I've only 
found one worth talking with. 

Gen. Oh, you have found one! 

Kate. Yes. 

Gen. Come, that's promising. 

Kate. And I like him very much. 

Gen. And he ? 

Kate. He's a man of taste, papa. 

Gen. Excellent! 

Kate. But there's one thing in the way! 

Gen. {Aside) Ah, there would be. — What is that? 

Kate. You see, I couldn't think of leaving you, dear. 

Gen. Nonsense! I'm old enough to take care of my- 
self. 

Kate. (Rises and goes to Mm) You're quite sure 
you're not too old to take care of yourself, papa? 

Gen. (Rising) Kate — this interview must now 
close. 

Kate. But your future is on my mind. (r. c.) 

Gen, It need have no particular interest for you. 
(Grossing r., carrying hat and stick and putting them 
on table r. c.) 

Kate. But I know why you've come to see Mr. Cross. 

Gen. Oh! 

Kate. That's why I've come! 

Gen. Then I regret your curiosity should be equalled 
by your intrusiveness. I will take another opportunity 
of seeing Mr. Cross. (Prepares to go) 

(Enter Mark r. door, followed ty Bennett) 

(Exit Bennett l. door) 

Mark. How do you do, General? (Crosses c.) How 
do you do. Miss Merry weather? (Shakes hands c.) 

Gen. (r. c.) Ah, Mark! I wanted to talk to you — 
er — a matter of business. 

Kate. (Aside) Fancy calling it business! (l. c.) 

Mark, (r.) I'm quite at your disposal. 

Gen. (r. c.) But as Kate insisted on accompanying 
me I'm afraid I must postpone the conversation — which 
will be of a strictly confidential nature. The dear child 
is so fond of me that she rarely loaves rae. 

Kate. You see Papa is a great anxiety to me, Mr. 



56 THE IDLER. 

Cross. But I'll go on the balcony for a little, if I'm in 
the way. (Going up l. c.) 

(Exit Kate c. windoio) 

Gen. (Going l.) Mark, I want to ask you a question 
— hum — ha! (Seated on sofa l.) You've never thought 
of marriage, Mark? 

Mark. (Seated e. c.) Eh? Marriage — oh yes — 
often. It's a very agreeable thing — to think about. 

Gen. (On sofa) Ah! it's a grand institution — no 
family should be without it. 

Mark. No; I suppose not. 

Gen. I mean of course — er — that every man should 
have a wife. It's at once a duty and a joy. Don't neg- 
lect your duty, my boy. As for me, I — er — have en- 
deavored in that respect not to neglect mine. 

Mark. Ah, to be sure. You have been married twice. 

Gen. And I propose marrying again. 

Mark, Good — I congratulate you. 

Gen, Many thanks — but you can do more than that. 

Mark, Indeed! 

Gen, You can assist me, 

Mark, I should be happy to know how. 

Gen. The fact is, Mark, my dear boy — I — er — have 
had the honour of asking your mother to be my wife. 

Mark, You astonish me! 

Gen. And your mother has referred me to you! 

Mark. Why did she refer you to me? 

Gen, Because she says that as it is customary for 
children to ask the consent of their parents, so parents 
should ask the consent of their children. 

Mark. Dear mother! 

Gen, Thanks — perhaps you would like time for con- 
sideration. 

Mark. (Rising) What is pleasing to my mother is 
pleasing to me. 

(Kate enters from balcony) 

Kate. Have you finished, papa? 

Gen, Certainly not — confound that child! 

Kate. This balcony is covered with smuts and my 
nose is such a magnet for smuts. 

Gen. Well, do let me have two words more with 
Mark. 

Mark. With pleasure — come into my room. 



THE IDLER. 57 

(Exeunt Makk and Meeryweather into another room 
R. door) 
Kate. (Coming down slowly in front of desk and 
goes over to fireplace) Dear papa has been very slow 
in coming to the point, (r.) (She wipes the smuts off 
her nose before a mirror) 

(Enter Simeon Strong l. door) 

Oh, here is my dear American! (Going to Mm at 
tal)le L. c.) How do you do? 

(Simeon bcws) 

Strong, (c. putting hat on table l. c.) I came in to 
see my friend, Mark Cross. 

Kate. And you're disappointed. 

Strong, (c.) Yes, Miss Merry weather, agreeably 
disappointed. (Pause) 

Kate (r.) I'm glad you're pleased. 

Strong, (c.) I'm afraid the pleasure is not mutual. 

Kate. Oh, yes it is. Papa and Mr. Cross are talking 
business in the next room. I was very dull until you 
came in. (Going up to fireplace — long pause) Of course 
it's much livelier noio. 

Strong, (c.) You are sarcastic. Miss Merry weather. 
Well, I'll allow I'm a man of few words. 

Kate. So it seems. 

Strong. But not always — only with you. 

Kate. You are very complimentary, Mr. Strong. 

Strong. You misunderstand me. When I have the 
pleasure of being with you I say mighty little for two 
reasons. 

ICate. What are they? 

Strong, (r. c.) Well, the first is that the less I say 
the more time I'll have to listen to you, which gives me 
most pleasure. 

Kate. (Aside) That's better. 

Strong, (r. c.) And the second is that you inspire 
me with a feeling I've never experienced before. 

Kate. (Aside — pleased) Oh! 

Strong, (c.) That of nervousness. 

Kate. (Aside — disappointed) Oh! 

Strong. I'll not deny that I think a lot of nice 
things — but I'm afraid to speak them lest they shouldn't 
pan out well. 

Kate. I thought all nice things " panned out well." 

Strong. Not always, Miss Merry weather, (c. pause) 



58 THE IDLEIl. 

Kate. (Aside) Dear, dear, how stupid he seems!. 
(Ooes down r. J)us.) 

Strong. Miss Merryweather — I — I ventured to make 
a remark just now. 

Kate. (Seated on chair) I remember your doing 
so — some little time since. 

Strong. I allowed that I was a man of few words. 

Kate. I don't think I disputed it, Mr. Strong. 

Strong. And it occurred to me to give you an exam- 
pie of that personal characteristic. (Beside her) 

Kate. Haven't you already done so? 

Strong. Ye — es — perhaps so; that's nervousness. 
But I'll give you another example, which maybe you'll 
call boldness. Have I your permission? 

Kate. Yes, I'm quite curious. 

Strong Miss Merryweather, will you marry me? 

Kate. Oh! (Rising and going down stage) 

Strong. Well — Kate 

Kate. Oh, Mr. Strong, you've made me a proposal. 
(Crossing c.) 

Strong. Does it displease you, Kate? (Following 
her) 

Kate. No — but it is so strange. 

Strong, (r. c.) Strange! (Disappointedly) 

Kate. Yes — because — because it is just what I 
wanted you to do. 

Strong. (Delightedly) Really! (Coming towards 
her) 

Kate. Yes — because of papa. (Going down l. c.) 

Strong. Oh! 

Kate. (Going up c.) It will be such a surprise — 
such a shock to him. (Coming down) Oh, what fun! 

Strong. (Gravely) Oh — it will be fun then? 

Kate. Of course — don't you think so? 

Strong. I'm not clear about it — depends upon 
whether the fun will be on my side or not. 

Kate. Oh, you'll have to laugh. 

Strong. At myself! 

Kate. No — at papa, of course. He's trying to get 
married himself and doesn't dream that perhaps Fll get 
married. 

Strong. And will you? 

Kate. Well, haven't you asked me? 

Strong. Yes — but you haven't answered me. 

Kate. Oh, haven't I? IVhat ought I to say? 

Strong. (Taking her hands — they sit on sofa) Well, 
never having had any experience in these things, I 
can't lay down the law, but if you were to say " Yes, 



THE IDLER. 59 

Simeon/' and let me kiss you, I'd reckon it a good start. 

Kate. {Bus. of taking off hat, etc.) Yes, Simeon. 
{They kiss) 

Gen. {Outside B.) Good-bye then — good-bye and 
thanks. You're a splondid fellow. 

Strong. Oh! {They &oJ7i rise— He is about to un- 
clasp Kate) 

Kate. {Holding him) No, don't move — {They both 
sit down again) let Papa see Ub likw this. Please kiss 
me again. 

Strong. For Papa's sake? 

Kate. And — and your own. 

{Enter Merryweatheb from b, door. Bus.) 
(Strong and Kate emhraee) 

Gen. Come, Kate — what! Good gracious* 

Kate. In a minute, Papa. 

GfcN. {Looking up c. and to b.) Kat<?! What! 
Great Heavens! 

Kate. {Islot moving) I'll be with you in 2^ minute. 

Gen. Release that child, sir! 

Kate. No, don't move!" 

Strong. I won't! 

Kate. Please kiss me again. (Strong daea so} 
Thank you. 

Gen. What the devil do you mean by this infamous 
conduct? 

Strong. Sir, I have both an excuse and a justifica- 
tion. 

Gen. Oh, you have, have you? I'll be glad to know 
them. 

Strong. Your daughter's irresistible charm for the 
one, and her approval for the o<-her. {Rising) 

Kate. {Rising and crossing to General c.) Irre- 
sistible charm, papa — think of that! Oh, how blind you 
have been! {Putting on hat) 

Gen. Did I understand this gentleman that you ap- 
proved of the er — undignified position in which I found 
you? 

Kate, Certainly. {Taking Strong's right arm) 
We're engaged! 

Gen. Indeed! 

Strong, (l, o.) I propose doing myself the honour 
of calling on you, General, without delay. 

Gen. Humph! Without delay! You certainly ai»- 
pear to be a man of alacrity. 



6Q THE IDLER. 

Kate. I told Simeon you would be surprised, papa. 
Gen. (Taking hat from table l. c.) Mr. Strong — 
good morning. {Crosses l.) 

Strong, (c.) General, good morning. 

Kate. (Aside to Strong) Good-bye, Simeon. 

Gen. Kate, your arm. 

(Kate leaves Strong and crosses to General) 

Strong. Till to-morrow — Kate! 

(General near door l.) 

Kate. Till to-morrow — Simeon. (Going with Gen- 
eral) We've botb had a busy morning, haven't we, 
Papa dear! 

(Exeunt General and Kate l. door) 

Strong. (Looking after them) This makes my hair 
curl. Ah! a balcony! (Going up) I can see her again 
before to-morrow, after all. 

(Exit to hafcony c.) 

(Enter Harding, shown in by Bennett l.) 

Hard. Tell Mr. Cross I wish to see him here alone. 

Ben. He is here, sir, (Crossing to door r. and speak- 
ing off) Sir John Harding, sir. (Then re-crossing t9 
Harding c.) Mr. Cross will see you, sir. 

(Enter Mark r. door) 

(Exit Bennett l. door) 

Hard. You know why I have come? 

Mark. Yes, I am ready to arrange a meeting. 

Hard, (c.) We are met — here. 

Mark. (r. of desk) Here! I should have said some- 
where abroad. You forget that one may survive. 

Hard. (r. c.) We take the same risk. We fight 
here — or I kill you here. 

Mark. As you please. I was not thinking of my- 
self. 

Hard. Here are two revolvers, both fully loaded. 
(Places them on table— pushing them to him) Take 
one. 



THE IDLER. ^X 

(Mark takes one carelessly) 

Does your clock strike? (Going down in front of l. 
table) 

Mark. Yes 

Hard. Good! It wants five minutes to 12. You re- 
main there — I here. On the third stroke of twelve we 
fire, (l.) 

Mark. Harding, there is just one thing I have to say- 
to you. 

Hard. There is nothing to be said. 

Mark. {Standing by desk r.) Don't misunderstand 
hie. I have nothing to say that will affect our present 
position. I have wronged, insulted, outraged you in 
thought and intention — but your wife is innocent. 

Hard. I have no wife. 

Mark. You have the noblest, truest wife on earth. 
Have you listened to her since yesterday. 

Hard. I have not seen her. For me she has ceased 
to exist. 

Mark. (Reflects a moment — then takes out his pocket- 
book and writes) Harding, note this. In a few min- 
utes you will kill me. Of that I am convinced. It will 
not be unjust. But after that, what then? (Pause) 
I know — I read it in your face. You will kill yourself. 

Hard. Cease! 

Mark.' (Rising) But there is one who will die — 
whom your death will kill, an injured, innocent woman 
— the woman who loves you — your wife. That need not 
be. One death is enough. Here in my pocket-book I 
have written and declared that, feeling myself to be 
worthless, I am about to take my own life. This will 
ensure your safety. Now will you listen to the truth. 
(Puts pocket-book on table) 

Hard. There is no truth left. (Mark is going to 
speak) If you persist I shall insult you befqre killing 
you, I shall call you cur 

Mark. (Interrupting) Then by God, you shall 
know no truth. For you are as worthless as I am. 
(At corner of desk) 

(Enter Strong from balcony — unperceived) 

Hard. (Looking at clock) It is time. You under- 
stand, on the third stroke we fire. 

(Clock strikes once) 



62 THE IDLER. 

Strong. (Aside) Good God! (Clock strikes again) 

(Mark and Harding take position. Clock strikes third 
time. Strong comes down and stands between them. 
They fall hack. Pause) 

(c.) Gentlemen, I appear to be in the way. 

Hard, (l, c.) Doubtless by the arrangement of your 
friend Mr. Cross. 

Strong. Sir, you are — you are mistaken. Mr. Cross 
was absolutely unaware of my presence in the house. 

Hard. Mr. Strong, you are not concerned in this 
affair. 

Mark. Go, Simeon! 

Strong. One moment. As this is really a serious 
matter, I may be of some assistance. I am not with- 
out experience. Now you appear to be conducting this 
affair most irregularly. 

Hard. Your interference is unwarrantable. Stand 
aside! 

Strong. You have no seconds — and so don't know 
whether this affair might not be arranged in a less ex- 
treme way. There are such things as explanation, 
apology and forgiveness. I learned that yesterday, 
Harding. 

Hard. You remain where you are at your peril. 

Strong. I remain. (Back to Mark) Is that the pis- 
tol you killed my brother with? 

Hard. (Slightly staggers — recovering himself) Once 
more — stand aside! 

(Mark r. c. urging Strong away) 

Stbong. I will not. (Remains between the two) 

(Enter Lady Harding and Mrs. Cross l. door) 

Hard. Then by God— I fire! (l. c.) 
Lady H. (Coming quickly to c.) 

(Simeon after taking revolver from Mark retires up 
c. Harding upon seeing his wife throws his revolver 
on to sofa) 

John! (Pause) Why do you fight for your lives? 
Because one has injured the other? You have both in- 
jured me. This is very noble and courageous. Honour 
must be satisfied and the woman whose life you have 



THE IDLER. 63 

wrecked and whose heart you have broken must be for- 
gotten. You — (To Mark) laid a snare for me; took 
advantage of my husband's danger to seek the gratifica- 
tion of a selfish passion — you killed my happiness — you 
would now kill my husband. You — {To Harding) in- 
sulted me, spurned me, threw me from you as a worth- 
less thing. You were in danger — I saved you. This is 
my reward. All the light is taken out of my life. I 
am neglected, forsaken, forgotten — my name is to be a 
bye-word — my life to be lived out in shame. Anything 
— (Addressing hoth) that your honour be satisfied. 
What of my honour? (Pause c.) 

Hard, (l.) God knows the shame is as much mine 
as yours. 

Lady H. (c. pointing to Cross, with emotion) You 
shall hear the truth. Mr. Cross will you tell my hus- 
band — or must I? (Pause — goes r.) 

Mark. (Crossing to c, passing his hand over his 
brow) No, I will speak. (Music) Harding, I plotted 
to save you at the price of your honour — I schemed to 
rob you of your wife. Before her marriage I was blind 
enough to think she cared for me — after her marriage 
I was mad and guilty enough to let a wild passion for 
her, and hatred of you, grow in me. It was at my sug- 
gestion that your wife came alone and unknown to you 
to receive from me Strong's letter. I intended that she 
should remain. I had not understood the greatness of 
her love for her husband — of her devotion, of her in- 
vincible purity. She was leaving the room when you 
came in. There is no more to say. There are injuries 
for which no atonement can be offered, no forgiveness 
can be asked — no words can express sorrow. This is one, 
(Pause. Goes up slowly and leans against fireplace with 
hack to the audience, leaving Sir John and Lady Hard- 
ing c, and Strong and Mrs. C. slightly up) 

Lady H. John — you have heard the truth. I can add 
nothing to it. Perhaps for acting as I did you cannot 
yet forgive me, although it was done for you. (Pause 
— he is motionless ivith head hent) (Crossing c.) You 
are silent — it is so. It is hard to bear, for I love you 
so well. But I will wait. Until you can wholly forgive 
me and take me to your arms again we will not meet. 
Yet I know that sometime, remembering all the days 
and joys that were, you v/ill come to me. I will wait, 
and wait, while my heart keeps from breaking (c, 
pause) 

Hard. (Crossing up to her — struggling with emo- 
tion) Helen, last night you asked me to take you home. 



Q4: THE IDLER. 

I was mad and spurned you. Will you spurn me now 
when I ask you to take me home? (Holds out his hands 
pleadingly) 

Lady H. (Coming to him) Thank God! (8he takes 
his hands. They move towards door l.) 

(Lady H. pauses for a moment and looks at Mark — to 
Mrs. Cross, who is standing hy her) 

Tell him that I forgive him, and that my husband will 
try to forget. 

(Exeunt Sir J. and Lady H., l. door slowly) 

Strong. (Pause — coming down stage to M\b,k— lay- 
ing his hand on his shoulder) Mark, you are a good 
boy, but loafing's the devil! Now, my expedition 

Mark. (Who is seated r. c.) Shall be led by me. 
Go, Simeon, with my mother. 

(Strong crosses to tahle l. c, takes hat and cane. Then 
after bus. with Mrs. C. goes to door l. arid exits) 

Mrs. C. (Crosses to Mark, who has taken up pistol) 

Mark. Mother! 

Mrs. C. Mark, may I trust you? (They look into each 
other's face) 

Mark. For your sake, mother, yes. (They grasp 
hands and kiss) 

(Exit Mrs. C.) 

Mark. Where to go! How to forget! Ah! yes! 
Simeon was right. (Puts pistol into box while his face 
lights up a little — rings bell) Yes — that is the best. 

(Enter Bennett l. door) 

Ben. You rang, sir? 

Mark. (Writing at table) Bennett, you may pack 
up. 

Ben. Shall I pack for a long journey? 

Mark. Yes. 

Ben. (Nervously) May I ask where, sir? 

Mark. Our journey lies towards the north! (Con- 
tinues t^iting) 

CURTAIN. 



FRENCH'S MINOR MAjSI | 

Price 15 Cents each.— Bound Volumes $1.25. | 



VOL. f. 

S The Irish Attorney 
9 Boote at the Swan 

3 How to Pay the Rent 

4 The Lofw of a Lov«r 

5 The Dead Shot 

6 His Last "Uees 

1 The Invisible Prince 

8 The Golden Farmer 

VOL. n. 

9 Pride of the MarUe* 

10 Used Up 

11 The Irish Tutor 

12 The Barracli Room 

13 Luke the Laliorer 

34 Beauty and the Beast 

15 St. Patrick's Eve 

16 Ca,ptain of the Watch 

VOL. IIL 

17 The Secret ^ ^ ipers 

18 White Horse of tb« Pep. 

19 The Jacobite 

20 The Bottle 

21 Box ind Cox 

22 gamboozliog 

23 Widow's Viette 

24 Robert Macaira 

VOL. IV, 

25 Secret Service 

26 piiinibas 
•n Irish Lion 
28Maidof CroJssy 

29 The Old Guard 

30 Raising the Wind 

31 Slasher and Crasher 

32 Naval Ene<>gement« 

VOL. V. 

33 Coclinles Ie Califomift 

34 Who Speaks First 

35 Bombastes Furioso 
3S Macbeth Traveftie 

37 Wsh Ambassador 

38 Delicate Ground 

39 The Weathercock IQold 

40 All that Glitters is Not 

VOL. VL 
4i Grimshaw, Bagshaw and 

Bradshaw 
42 Rough Diamond 

13 Bloomer Costume 

14 Two Bonnycastles 

15 Bom to Good Luck 

16 Kiss in the Dark fjurer 
47 'Twould Puzzle » Con- 
18 Kill or Cure 

VOL, VII. 

49 Box and Cox Married and 

50 St. Cipid [Settled 

51 Go-to -bed Tom 
5'.i The Lawyers 

53 Jack Sheppard 

54 The Toodles 

55 The I.Iobcap 

56 Ladies Beware 

VOL. VIIL 

57 Morning Call 

5S Popping the Question 

59 Deaf as a Post 

60 Ne.v Footman 

61 Pleasant Neighbotr 
;2 Paddy the Piper 

63 Brian O'Linn 

64 Irish Assurance 

VOL. El, 

65 Temptation 

66 PaJdv Carey 

67 Two Gregofles 

68 King CharmJEg 

69 Po-ca-hon-tss 

70 Clocku;aker"'s Hat 

71 Married Rake 

72 Love and Murder 

VOL. X. 

73 Ireland and A^ierlca 

74 Pretty Piece of Business 

75 Irish Broom-maker 

76 To Paris and Baok for 

Five Pounds 

77 That Blessed Bab^ 

78 Our Gal 

79 Swiss Cottage 

80 Young Widow 



VOL. XI. 

81 O'Flannigan and the Fal 

82 Irish Post fries 

83 My Neighbor'* Wife 

84 Irish Tiger 

85 P. P., or Man and Tiger 

86 To Oblige Beosoa 

87 State Secrets 

88 IrUb Yankee 

VOL. xa. 

89 A Good Fellow 

90 Cherry and Fair Star 

91 Gale Breezely 

92 Oar Jemimy 

93 Miller's Maid 

94 Awkward ArrivaS 

95 Crossing the Line 

96 Conjugal Lesson 

Vol. XIII. 

97 My Wife's Mirror 

98 Life in New York 

99 Middy Ashore 

100 Crown Prince 

101 Two Queens 

102 Thumping Legacy 

103 Unfinished Geatieiaaa 

104 House Dog 

VOL. xrv. 

105 The Demon Lover 
Matrimony 

107 In and Out of Place 

108 I Dine with My Mother 

109 Hi-a-wa-tha 

110 Andy Blake 

111 Love in '76 [ties 

112 Romance ander Difficul- 

VOL. XV. 
13 One Coat for 2 Suit* 
K A Decided Case 

115 Daughter Jnodty 

116 No; or, the Glorious Mi- 

117 Coroner's InquisitioQ 

118 Love in Hutoble Idfe 

119 Family Jars 

120 Personation 
VOL. XVI. 

121 Children In the Wood 

122 Winning a Husband 

123 Day After the Fair 

124 Make Your WUla 

125 Rendezvous 

126 My Wife's Husband 

1 27 Monsieur Tonsoa 
28 lUustrioas Stranger 

VOL. XVII. 

129 Mischief-Making [Ml nes 

130 A Live Womaa io the 
3i The Corsair 

132 Shylock 

133 Spoiled Child 
1;>4 Evil Eye 

135 Nothing to Nurse 

136 Wanted* Widow 
VOL. XVIJL 

137 Lottery Ticket 

138 Fortune's Frolic 

139 Is he Jealous? 

140 Married Bachelor 

141 Husband at Sight 
342 Irishman in London 

143 Animal Magnetism 

144 Highways and By-W sys 

VOL. XIX. 
144 Columbus 

146 Harlequin Bluebeard 

147 Ladies at Home 

148 Phsr.omenon tn a 

Frock 

149 Comedy and Tragedy 

150 Opposite Neighbors 

151 Dutchman's Ghost 

152 Persecuted Dutchman 

VOL. XX. 
153MuBard Ball 
,i54 Great Tragic Revival 

155 High Low Jack & Game 

156 A Gentleman from Ire- 

157 Tom and Jerry [land 

1 58 Village Lawyer 

159 Captain's not A-miss 

160 Amateurs and Actors 



VOL. XXI, 

161 Promotion [nal 

162 A Fascinating Individ- 

163 Mrs. Caudle 

164 Shakespeare's Dream 
1«& Neptune's Defeat 

166 Lady of Bedchamber 

167 Take Caxe of Little 

168 Irish Widow [Charley 

VOL. XXII. 

169 Yankee Peddler 

170 Hliam Hireout 

171 Double-Bedded Room 

172 The Drama Defended 

173 Vermont Wool Dealer 

174 Ebenezer Venture [tei 

175 Principles from Charac 

176 Lady of the Lake (Trav) 

VOL. XXIll. 

177 Mad Dogs 

178 Barney the Baron 

179 Swiss S warns 

180 Bachelor's Bedroom 

181 A Roland for an Oliver 
189 More Blunders than One 

183 Dumb Belie 

184 Limerick Boy 

VOL. XXIV. 

185 Nature and Philosoj^y 

186 Teddy the Tiler 

187 Spectre Bridegroom 

188 Matteo Falcone 

189 Jenny Lind 

190 Two Buzzard* 

191 Happy Man 

192 Betsy Baker 
VOL. XXV. 

No. 1 Round the Come; 

194 Teddy Roe 

195 Object of Interest 

196 My Fellow Clerk 

197 Bengal Tiger 

198 Laughing Hyena 

199 The Victor Vanquished 

200 Our Wife 

VOL. XXVI. 

201 My Husband's Mirror 

202 Yankee Land 

203 Norah Creina 

204 Good for Nothing: 
206 The First Night 

206 The Eton Boy 

207 Wandering Minstrel 

208 Wanted, 1000 Milliners 
VOL. XXVIL 

909 Poor Pilcoddy 

210 The Mummy (OJasses 

211 Don't Forget your Opera 

212 Love in Livery 

213 Anthony and Cleopatra 

214 Trj-ing It On 

215 Stage Struck Yankee 

216 YouBg Wife & Old Um- 

brella 

VOL. xxvni. 

217 Crinoline 

218 A Family Failing 

219 Adopted Child 

220 Turned Heads 

221 A Match in the Dark 

222 Advice to Husbands 

223 Siamese Twins 

224 Sent to the Tower 

VOL. XXIX. 

225 Somebody Else 
256 Ladies' Battle 

227 Art of Acting 

228 The Ladv of the Lions 
2i:9 The Rigfit! of Man 
2,30 My Hnsoand's Ghost 

231 Two Can Play ». that 

Game 

232 Fighting by Proxy 

233 Unprotected Female 

234 Pet of the Petticoats 

235 Forty and Fifty [book 
2-36 Who Stole the Pockets 
v>37 My Son Diana [sion 

238 Unwarrantable I n t r u - 

239 Mr. and Mrs. White 
24C A Quiet Family 



(French's Minor Drama Continued on ^dpags of Cover.) 



VOL. XXXI. 

241 Cool as Cucumber 

242 Sudden Thoughts 

243 Jumbo Jum 

244 A Blighted Being 

245 Little Toddlekins 

246 A Lover by Proxy [Pall 

247 Maid with the Milking 

248 Perplexing Predicament 

VOL. XXill. 

249 Dr. Dilworth 

250 Out to Nurse 

251 A Lucky Hit 

252 The Dowager 

263 Metamora (BurUsqne) 
254 Dreams of Delusion 
256 The Shaker Lovers 

256 Ticklish Times 

VOL. XXXIIL 

257 20 Minutes with a Tiger 
268 Miralda ; or, the Justice 

of Tacon 

259 A Soldier's Courtship 

260 Servants by Legacy 

261 Dying for Love 

262 Alarming Sacrifice 

263 Valet de Sh&m 

264 Nicholas Nickleby 

VOL. XXXlV. 

265 The Last of the Pigtails 

266 King Rene's Daughtp- 

267 The Grotto Nymph 

268 A Devilish Good Joke 

269 A Twice Told Tale 

270 Pas de Fascination 
•^71 Kevolutiona*y Soldier 

272 A Man Without a Head 

VOL. XXXV. 

273 The Olio, Part I 

274 The Olio, Part 2 

275 The Olio, Part 3 (ter 

276 The Trumpeter's Daugll. 

277 Seeing Warren 

278 Green Mountain Boy 

279 That Nose 

280 Tom Noddy's Secret 

VOL. XXXVL 

281 Shocking Events 

282 A R gular Fix 

283 Dick Turpin 

284 Young Scamp 

285 Young Actress 

286 Call at No. 1— » 

287 One Touch of Natni« 

288 Two B'hoys 

VOL. XXXVH. 

289 All the World's a Stage 

290 Quash, or Nigger Prac- 
281 Turn Him Out [tice 

292 Pretty Girls of Stillberg 

293 Angel of the Attic 

294 ClrcumstancesalterCases 
296 Katty O'Sheal 

296 A Supper in Dixie 

VOL. xxxvriL 

297 Ici on Parle Franeais 
998 Who KHled Cock Robta 

299 Declaration of Independ- 

300 Heads or Tails [ence 
30! Obstinate Family 

302 My Aunt 

303 That Rascal Pat 

304 Don Paddy de Bazan 

VOL. XXXIX. [tnre 

305 Too Much for Good Na- 

306 Cure for the Fidgets 

307 J.ick's the Lad 

308 ?<IuchAdoAbontNothlngf 

309 Artful Dodger 

310 Winning Hazard 

311 Day's Fishing [Ac. 

312 Did yon ever send your, 

VOL. XL. 

313 An Irishman's Maneuver 

314 Cousin Fannie 

31 5 'Tis the liarkest Hour be- 

316 Masquerade [fore Dawn 
'^17 Crowding the Season 
318 Good Night's Rest 

■119 Man with the Carpet B»g 
^20 Terrible Tinker * 



^ 



SARIUEL FRENCH, 28-3© West 3?tis Street. New York City. 



VOL. XLL 

Tbe Pirate's Legacy 
The Charcoal Uanter 
Adtilgitba 
Seaor VaJients 
Forest Rose 
Duke's Daughtei^ 
CamlUa's Husb$ ^ 
Pore Gold 

VOL. XLII. 
llcket of Lbuve MsQ 
Fool's l-ievenge 
O'Nell the Greet 
Haiidy Andy 
Pmu^ of the Isles 
Kancboa 
Little BArefoot 
Wild Irish Gir! 

VOL. XLIIL 
Pearl of Savoy 
Dead Heart 

T«a Niehts in a Bar-toom 
Dumb Boy of Manchester 
BeJphegor the Moan teb'k 
Cricket on the Hearth 
Printer's Devil 
Meg's Diversion 



KBm ^mmm 



{French's Siandard Drama Coaiis9ieedj 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



VOU XLIV. 

S>i5 I>rai]kard''s Doom 

346 Chironey Cornw 

347 Fifteen VeM-s of a Drank 
343 No Tboroughfar* fard's 
848 Peep O* Day i LUe 
356 Everybody's Friend 
38KGen. Qraot 
SBs^athleen Mavoomeen 

VOL. XLV. 
853 Nick Whiffles 
354 Fruits of the Wine Cup 

366 0ruokaEd'& Warning 
856 Temperance Doctor 

367 Aunt Dlnak 

358 W-idow Freeheart 
259 Krou Fron 
360 Long Strike 

VOL. XLVL 
86! Larcers 
36S La<411e 
8ti3 RaadalPe Thumb 
864 Wicked World 
3il5 Two Orpbana 
388 Colleen BaWD 

367 Twixt Axe and down 

368 Lady Clancarthy 



869 Sara 

870 Nev 
371 Lily 
379 Led 

373 Hen: 

374 Vaet 

375 May cr DoUy* 
aU Allatoona 

VOL. XLVm. 

377 Enoch Arden 

378 Lender the Gas Llglit 

379 Daniel Roohat 

380 Caste 

381 School 
863 Home 

383 David Gfinicfe 

384 Ours 
VOL.XMJt 

S85 Boclal Glasr, 
886 Daukl Drac« 
387 Two Roses 

888 Adrienne 

889 The Bella 
390 Uncle 
991 Cdartshlp 

398 Not Such a Foe! 




Paper 

400 Lost in Londoa 

VOL. LL 

401 Octoroon 

402 Confederate Spy 
463 Mariner's RetJtrE 

404 R-uined by DiJafc 

405 Dreanas 
40€.-'M. P. 
407 War 

'COL. LtSr 

NigMingale 

410 Progreaa 

411 Play 

41S Midnight Obai<g» 

413 Oonfidentiat Cle^ 

414 Snowball 

415 Our Regiment 

416 Married for Money 
Hamlet in Three Acts 
Guttle & OolpSt 



FRENCH'S INTERNATIONAL COPYRIGHTED EDITIOJ 
OF THE WORKS OF THE BEST AUTHORS. 

The following very successful plays have just been issued at 25 cents per copy. 



A PAIS. OF SPECTAGIjES. Comedy In S Acts 
by SvONKV GnuNDY, author of "Sowing the Wind,'- 
&e. 8 male, 3 temale eharaoters. 

A POOL'S PARADISE. Aa original play la 3 



Acts by 
Wind/' 



Sydkivy Gbuvdt, author o? " Sowing the 
&e. 6 male, 4 female characters. 



THB SILVER SHIELD. An original comedy lu 
9 Acts by Sydney GbfmdVj author of "Sowing the 
Wind," &a, 5 male, 8 female characters. 

THE GLASS OP FASHIOW. An original oom- 
edy in 4 Acta by Svonhv Geusbv, author of "Sowing 
thc> Wind," &c. 6 male, 5 female characters. 



THE BALLOON. Fardoal comedy ts 8 Acts by 

H. Dabnlev and Manvillb Fshn. 6 mal% 4 femi 

characters. 
miss CLEOPATRA. Farce In 8 AoU by Asthj 

Shiblev. 7 male, 8 female characters. 
SIX PERSONS. C«medy Act by I. Zangwb 

1 male, 1 female character. 
FASHIONABLE INTELLIGENCE. Comei 

etts In 1 Act by Febcv Fbnoall. 1 male, I hsm 

cha/act^r. 
HIGHLAND LEGACY. Comedy in ! Aot 1 

Beandon Thom*8, author of "Charley'i Aont 

b male, 8 female characters. 



Contents of Catalogue which is sent Free. 



Amateur Drama 

Atenteur Operas 

Articles Needed by Amateur* 

Art of Soene Painting 

Baker'e Reading Club 

Beards, Whiskers, Mustaclttes, etc. 

Bound Sets of Plays 

Bulwer Lytton's Playt 

Burlesque Dramas 

Burnt Cork 

Cabman's Story 

Carnival of Authors 

Charads Plavs 

Children's Pkys 

Comic Dramab for MiJe Chuacten 

only 
Costume Books 
Crape Hair 
Cumberland Edition 
Darkey Dramas 
Dramas for Boys 
Di'awlngjroom Menologues 
Elocution, Reciters and Speaken 
Ethiopian Dra^sias 



Evening's Entertainment 

Fairy aud Home Plays 

French's Costumes 

French's Editions 

French's Italian Operas 

French's Parlor Comedies 

French's Standard and Minor Drama 

French's Standard and Minor Drama, 

bound 
French's Scenes for Amateurs 
Frobleher's Popular Recitals 
Grand Army Dramas 
Guide Books for Amutenn 
Guide to Selecting Plays 
Hints on Costumes 
Home Plays for Ladles 
Irish Plays 
Irviag's Plays 
Juvenile Plays 
Make-Up Book 
M»ke-Up Box 
Mock Trial 

Mrs. Jarley's Wax Works 
New Plays 



New Reaitatlon Books 

Nign:er Jokes and StuEj) Spaacheit 

Parlor Magic 

Parlor Pantomlsnee 

Pieces oi" Pleasantry 

Poems for Recitations 

Plays for M&'i.i Characters only 

Round Games 

Scenery 

Scriptural and Historical Dnunai 

Sensation Dramas 

Serio-Comic Dramas 

Shadow Pantomimes 

Shakespeare's Plays for j 

Shakespeare's Plays 

Stanley's Dwwft 

Spirit Gum 

Tableaux Vivants 

Talma Actor's Art 



Vocal Music ( 



Temperance Plays 
ofSk 
Webster's Actios 
Wigs, etc 



bake«ne&re''s Flajs 
t EdittoD 



(French's Minor Drama Continued from 4tb page of Cover.") 



VOL XLI. 
£21 Adventures of ft Love 
m. l.OBt Child [Letter 

823 Court Cards 
324 Cox and Box 
395 Fortv Winks 
386 Wonderful Woman 
327 Curious Case 
3S8 Tweedleton'E Toil Coat 



VOL. XLH. 

329 As Like as Two Peas 

330 Presumptive Evidence 

331 Happy Band 

332 Pinafore 

333 Mock Trial 

334 My Uncle's Will 

335 Hapt)y Pair 

336 My Turn Next 



VOL. XLIII. 

337 Sunset 

338 For Half a Million 

339 Cable Car 
341) Early Bird 
'.ii\ Alumni Play 

342 Show of Hands 

343 Barbara 

344 Who's Who 



VOL. SLW. 
346 Who's To Win HSm 

346 Which i« Which 

347 Cup of Tea 

348 Sarsh'e Young Man 

349 Hearts 

350 In Honor Bound [L&' 

351 Freesing a Mether-ii 
35S My LoA in Livery 



SAMUEL FRBNCii, 23«30 West astia Street, New VodcClt| 



SS^ ^w mn^ IBayjKcJ* KJescri!i943v® €«4s*©jkk« MsSSm? I%wf ©a RwjKECitii 



